HCMC – Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued a directive calling for stronger measures to control African Swine Fever (ASF) and ensure food supply nationwide.
Directive No. 14/CT-TTg mandates coordinated disease control across government levels to limit the spread of ASF, which has severely impacted the livestock sector.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) reported over 1,452 ASF outbreaks this year, forcing the culling of nearly 81,000 pigs. Recent storms have further damaged agricultural production, exacerbating challenges for local authorities.
Under the directive, provincial and municipal governments must strengthen efforts to control ASF. Local authorities are instructed to respond quickly to outbreaks, support affected farmers, increase vaccination efforts, and enforce biosecurity practices in livestock farming.
MARD will lead national efforts to contain ASF, working with other ministries and local governments to ensure food security, with a focus on disease monitoring, outbreak management, establishing safe farming zones, expanding vaccination, and enhancing international cooperation.
The National Steering Committee 389 on Countering Smuggling, Trade Fraud and Counterfeits, will work to prevent illegal pig transport. The Ministry of Public Security is tasked with investigating and prosecuting livestock smuggling activities, coordinating with other agencies to tighten surveillance.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has also directed relevant agencies to monitor markets closely and prevent the sale of infected or untraceable pork, aiming to protect consumer health and limit disease transmission.
