Vietnam to temporarily halt importing live pigs from Thailand
VOV.VN - Vietnam is to temporarily suspend the import of live pigs for slaughter from Thailand as of June 30 in an effort to prevent the African swine fever (ASF) from spreading among local herds, according the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).
The MARD made the decision after a batch of 980 live pigs imported from Thailand were infected with ASF during health quarantine procedures on May 19.
The MARD therefore sent a document to the Thai Embassy in Hanoi on May 28 to notify them of the case and its decision to suspend the import of live pigs from Thailand.
The MARD will continue to permit the import of batches of live pigs that have been signed by businesses from the two countries which are scheduled to be transported to Vietnam from now till June 29.
The ministry has dispatched a veterinary unit to intensify control over the disease and food hygiene, whilst ensuring safety for these batches.
The MARD has also assigned the Department of Animal Health to co-ordinate alongside competent authorities from Thailand to closely evaluate the epidemic situation for pig herds in the neighbouring country before allowing the resumption of pig imports in the future.
