Strict preventive measures against China’s African Swine Fever outbreak

BANGKOK, Sept 11 (TNA) – The Department of Livestock Development has implemented strict measures to prevent smuggling of pig carcasses and pork products from China due to concerns over the African Swine Fever (ASF) epidemic there. The department’s director-general, Sorawit Thanee ordered the animal quarantine station at Suvarnabhumi Airport to inspect possible smuggling of pork products from China and destroyed the goods properly if detected. Thailand has suspended import of pork products from China for 90 days. Related agencies also implemented strict inspection on movement of animals and their carcasses through land and sea transportation. Officials were instructed to search and suppress illegal pork imports from neighbouring countries through 89 checkpoints in 25 provinces. If the outbreak in China continues to pose risk, the director-general can extend suspension for another 90 days. Labs have been prepared for tests to confirm the ASF in pigs. Although the disease does not transmit to humans, it is a severe outbreak, caused by virus that can survive for six months. The strict measure is needed to prevent economic damage on pig farmers, he said. (TNA)