Vietnamese provinces struck by PRRS

The Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) has broken out in several northern provinces, including Hai Duong, Thai Binh and Thai Nguyen, raising concerns about epidemic prevention in localities.

Since the first case was detected in Hai Duong's Binh Giang district on March 28, the virus has spread to Tu Ky and Gia Loc districts, with more than 650 pigs infected, of which 100 have already died.

The provincial Department of Animal Health blames the recent outbreaks on unusual weather conditions, poor knowledge of farming practices, and poor vaccination campaigns. In addition, farmers still sell sick and infected pigs, paying no heed to warnings from veterinarians.

The department has supplied six tonnes of disinfectant to spray over affected areas. Mobile checkpoints have also been established to prevent the slaughtering, trading and transport of infected pigs to and from the restricted areas. Farmers and butchers have been encouraged not to sell sick pigs.

Infections have been also detected in a herd of 41 pigs in Phu Binh district, Thai Nguyen province. Half the herd have been confirmed to carry the PRRS virus. In Thai Binh province, the virus has attacked 8 out of 44 communes in Dong Dung district, with more than 1,000 pigs sick or dead.  

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has instructed the Red River Delta provinces to intensify preventative measures, with a focus on quarantining sick pigs and vaccinating the others.

Meanwhile, experts have warned that the current weather conditions are favourable for the PRRS virus to emerge and spread to other communities.