VIENTIANE: Authorities in Xaysomboun province are escalating action to prevent the spread of African swine fever following an outbreak of the deadly virus, which is threatening livestock farms.
Officials recently declared Vanghai village in the province’s Thathom district as a red zone, where tough control measures have been imposed.
Head of the District Agriculture and Forestry Office, Bounpong Khammixay, told Lao National Radio that the district veterinary team is focusing their efforts on this village. They have examined pigs infected with the virus and have collected blood samples for analysis at the Animal Disease Research Centre.
Farmers have been prohibited from moving their animals to avoid the spread of the virus and authorities have banned the slaughter, consumption and sale of pigs.
Dead pigs and their remains have been disinfected and buried, while pig sties have also been thoroughly disinfected.
Analysis of samples by the Animal Disease Research Centre run by the Department of Livestock and Fisher-ies has confirmed the presence of African swine fever, which is highly contagious.
It can infect all breeds of pigs, including wild pigs. There is no vaccine to protect animals against the virus and no effective treatment. The mortality rate is high, but the disease does not affect humans.
To prevent the spread of the virus, the Thathom district administration has declared Vang Hai village, which is the centre of the outbreak, as a red zone.
In addition, Pakyong village in Thathom district, and Thasi village in Borikhan district in neighbouring Borikhamxay province, have been declared yellow zones.
Another 24 villages in Thathom district are under surveillance for African swine fever. In these areas, any pigs displaying symptoms such as a high fever of 42 deg C, dark red spots on the ears and skin, discoloured patches on the lower abdomen, or deaths must be reported immediately.
Although the virus poses no threat to humans, Thathom district authorities have banned the processing and sale of infected pork to prevent further spread.
The disease poses a serious risk to pig production and threatens the livelihoods of Lao people, and authorities have called for coordinated efforts to contain and eliminate the outbreak.
Reports of possible infection should be submitted to village veterinarians or other relevant departments.
The District Agriculture and Forestry Office, in coordination with the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Depart-ment, will carry out additional inspections and collect samples for analysis to prevent further losses. - Vientiane Times/ANN
