African swine fever (ASF) is showing signs of resurging in many localities across the country, especially in the northern and central regions. Since the beginning of the year, more than 43,000 pigs have been culled due to the disease, posing major challenges for the livestock industry.
COMPLEX DEVELOPMENTS, RISK OF WIDESPREAD SPREAD
According to a report from the Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health, in the first six months of 2025, the country recorded 636 outbreaks in 30 provinces and cities, with a total of 43,375 pigs culled. Notably, there are currently 256 outbreaks in 26 localities that have not yet passed the 21-day mark, indicating that the disease is still smoldering and could spread widely if not controlled promptly.
Several localities such as Cao Bang, Lang Son, Tuyen Quang, Hanoi, Quang Ngai, and Quang Tri are currently hotspots for the disease. Cao Bang alone recorded the highest number of infected and dead pigs, with more than 11,000, while Hanoi had 11 outbreaks with more than 3,200 pigs culled.
Although the total number of infected and culled pigs has decreased by 34% compared with the same period in 2024, the recurrence of old outbreaks shows that the disease still poses a risk of widespread resurgence if there are no synchronized and decisive containment measures.
CAUSES AND SHORTCOMINGS THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED
Most recurring outbreaks occur in small-scale household farms, with an average size of 50–60 pigs. Biosecurity conditions have not been ensured, while many households remain complacent and have not vaccinated despite the fact that three ASF vaccines have been licensed for circulation.
Behaviors such as concealing outbreaks, rushing to sell sick pigs, and dumping pig carcasses into the environment are contributing to the spread of the disease, especially under conditions of heavy rain and storms and weak environmental treatment systems. In addition, uncontrolled slaughtering and the lack of veterinary supervision in many localities, especially mountainous areas, are also major weaknesses in disease prevention and control.
To date, 7.8 million doses of ASF vaccine have been distributed nationwide, with more than 1 million pigs vaccinated in 45 provinces and cities. The post-vaccination mortality rate is very low (0.1%) and is mainly due to pigs already being infected beforehand. However, vaccination progress remains slow, heavily dependent on state support and farmers’ awareness.
STRENGTHENING DIRECTION, CONTROL, AND INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT
In response to the situation, the Prime Minister issued Official Dispatch No. 109/CĐ-TTg dated July 16, 2025, calling on localities to implement disease control measures decisively. It emphasizes timely declaration of outbreaks, proper culling of sick pigs in accordance with regulations, inspection and strict handling of violations, and stronger communication to raise public awareness.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has also proposed consolidating the commune-level veterinary system, strengthening virus surveillance through the VAHIS system, building disease-safe livestock zones, and effectively leveraging international support from organizations such as FAO and USAID.
Alongside disease prevention and control, slaughter control is also identified as a key task in the last six months of the year. Nationwide, there are more than 24,800 small-scale slaughter facilities, but only about 27% have business registration certificates and very few are under veterinary control.
The Ministry has asked localities to review the slaughter network, develop centralized slaughter facilities that meet standards, and move toward eliminating spontaneous slaughtering. At the same time, special mechanisms should be issued to attract investment in industrial slaughtering, allocate land funds, improve veterinary staff income, and intensify communication for the public and consumers.
Thuy Khanh
Source: Nguoichannuoi.vn
