The blue-ear pig disease is spreading fast in Red River Delta of Vietnam, hitting 12 provinces and cities by Thursday (May 6) and causing 14 pigs out of 98 dead, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

 

There are more than seven millions pigs raised in the Red River Delta region, accounting for 25% of the country's pig herd.

 

The department said that about 50,000 of pigs had contracted the virus so far and over 21,000 of them had been found dead or killed.

 

Acting Head of the Department of Animal Health Hoang Van Nam said the spread of the disease is attributed to the unusual weather conditions, limited knowledge of farming practices, and poor vaccination campaigns.

 

Moreover, the asynchronous measures and lack of vigilance in quarantine, transport and trading sick pigs also make the disease rapidly grow out of control, said Nam.

 

The news of pig disease has reduced consumer confidence in the northern areas of the country, especially in affected provinces. Since the outbreak was announced, the price of pork has dropped and the amount of meat purchased has also fallen sharply.

 

According to the Department of Preventive Health and Environment under the Ministry of Health, the blue-ear disease does not infect humans but can reduce immunity of pigs, creating favourable condition for dangerous bacteria to grow and Streptococcus disease may be developed.

 

Streptococcus disease spreading from pigs to humans will cause septicemia, meningitis, or both types of latex at the same time.

 

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung recently issued an official document requiring localities that have discovered the blue-ear pig disease to publicise their situation and to carry out tight checks in the affected areas.

 

The official document stated that provinces and cities where the disease was found must strictly ban the transportation, slaughtering and selling of pigs affected by the disease.

 

In addition, the government has decided to give financial support of VND25,000 (US$1.32) per kilogramme of animals lost, equal to 70% of the relevant market price.

 

But efforts seem not to be enough to deal with the fast spreading of the disease, according to Nam, adding that it is essential for surrounding provinces, especially affected provinces in 2007 and 2008, to take tougher measures to prevent the disease.