Even one single African swine fever outbreak must not be taken lightly

Culling operations are strictly supervised

On November 20, the Thoi Binh Commune People’s Committee received a report from Bui Van Tho, a resident of Hamlet 7, about pigs in his pen showing signs of illness, with several animals dying abnormally. Of greater concern, the entire herd had shown fatigue for many days, and the situation worsened at the time of reporting.

Upon receiving the information, the Sub-department of Livestock Production and Animal Health, under the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Environment, promptly directed the local Livestock Production and Animal Health Station to coordinate with the commune authorities and conduct an on-site inspection.

Arriving at Tho’s household, the inspection team recorded a total herd of 16 meat pigs, with nine of them found dead, resulting in a total loss of 726 kg. The remaining pigs showed high fever, loss of appetite and skin hemorrhages, symptoms considered typical of African swine fever. To determine the exact cause, professional staff collected samples and sent them to Diagnostic and Testing Station III (National Center for Veterinary Diagnosis No.II, Can Tho city).

“While awaiting test results, all nine dead pigs were culled in accordance with veterinary procedures to prevent the risk of further spread. The culling process was closely supervised, from pit digging and burial to the application of lime powder and spraying disinfectants around the pigsty area, ensuring no pathogens were released into the environment. All farming tools, pens and related vehicles were treated with lime powder and specialized disinfectants,” said Le Van Chi, Deputy Head of the Ca Mau Sub-department of Livestock Production and Animal Health.

On November 21, Diagnostic and Testing Station III issued Test Result Form No. C125111337, confirming that samples from Tho’s herd were positive for the African swine fever virus. Immediately after receiving the results, the provincial sub-department notified nearby pig-farming households so they could proactively monitor their livestock.

Meanwhile, the Livestock Production and Animal Health Station of Thoi Binh commune continued monitoring the remaining seven pigs in an isolated area. Representatives of the commune’s Economic Division were assigned to conduct daily supervision, record developments, and promptly report any new cases of sick or dead pigs. During the monitoring period, the household was strictly prohibited from trading, transporting or slaughtering pigs to avoid the risk of disease spread.

“I’ve raised pigs for many years, but have never seen deaths happen so quickly. When the pigs stopped eating and began dying one by one, I was extremely worried and reported it to the commune immediately. After being informed it was African swine fever, I was shocked, but I complied with culling and disinfection instructions to prevent spreading it to other households,” said Bui Van Tho.

Comprehensive implementation of disease prevention measures

In response to complicated developments of African swine fever, Ca Mau Sub-department of Livestock Production and Animal Health immediately deployed a synchronized set of measures to prevent wider spread among pig farmers.

The sub-department required veterinary forces in Thoi Binh commune to review all pig-raising households, update herd numbers, identify small-scale farms and large models, and assess risks. Daily surveillance was intensified, focusing on farms showing abnormal signs such as loss of appetite, reduced weight gain, lethargy or other symptoms of African swine fever.

To reduce the risk of disease resurgence, farmers were instructed to apply biosecurity measures in accordance with Official Dispatch No. 2202/CNTYDT dated August 22, 2025, issued by the Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health.

The sub-department had directed relevant units to intensify communication with farmers. The focused contents included not using leftover food or raw products of unknown origin; regularly disinfecting pens and cleaning feeders and drinkers; limiting access to farming areas, especially by people from outbreak zones; and immediately isolating and reporting pigs showing suspected symptoms to the commune veterinary force.

The sub-department also coordinated with animal quarantine stations across the province to strictly control the transport of pigs and pig products, considered one of the most critical steps to prevent the African swine fever virus from entering or spreading from other localities into Ca Mau.

From the perspective of veterinary authorities, the year-end period is particularly sensitive as pig transport and trading activities increase to supply the Lunar New Year market. Without strict control, African swine fever could arise from small-scale farms where biosecurity practices are often inadequate.

The complex weather patterns and high humidity at the end of the year normally create an environment conducive to disease outbreaks. The recently recorded African swine fever outbreak in Thoi Binh commune is a warning sign for disease prevention and control efforts in livestock, especially pigs, which account for a large proportion of the province's livestock industry.