August 6, 2007

Blue ear disease may spread further in Vietnam

Vietnam is likely to see more outbreaks of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) or blue ear disease following the deaths of 20,000 pigs from the disease in two weeks.

The Vietnamese government has earmarked VND25 billion (US$1.55 million) for four provinces to control the outbreak, which is likely to spread to the south of the country.

Quant Nam province -- the country's worst hit area -- got the biggest chunk of the fund by VND10 billion was provided. Health minister, Cao Duc Phat called for all available resources to control the disease - highlighting the importance of preventing the disease from spreading.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has already instructed affected provinces not to transport infected pigs to other areas to contain the disease. Local breeders were warned to inoculate their animals, to steer clear from obtaining new animals, and to remain vigilant against pigs of uncertain origins.

Blue ear disease has been discovered in the Can Giuoc district in the Long An province (south of Vietnam), sending pork prices plunging.