July 29, 2025

Pork supply tightens in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam following ASF spread

Inspectors are currently stationed in Ho Chi Minh City to monitor the entry of pork, particularly at the two major markets of Hoc Mon and Binh Dien, which are significant suppliers of wholesale pork, following the rapid resurgence of African swine fever (ASF) in the country.  

Leaders of the Ho Chi Minh City Food Safety Management Authority announced that they have instructed their departments to increase control over the origin of meat supplied to markets, especially wholesale markets.

The Department of Animal Health under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) indicated that in the first seven months of 2025, nearly 650 ASF outbreaks occurred in 30 out of 34 provinces and cities nationwide. This has resulted in over 43,000 pigs being infected, dying, or culled. Currently, 256 active outbreaks remain in 26 provinces and cities, not yet past the 21-day mark.

The Department of Animal Health warns that ASF is trending upwards, and the risk of spread remains high due to the prevalence of small-scale farming that lacks adequate biosecurity measures.

The People's Committee of Bao Lam 1 Commune, Lam Dong Province, reported active containment efforts in areas at risk of disease outbreaks following the discovery of a farm where 31 pigs died from unknown causes.

Initial reports from resident Nguyen Van Thach in Hamlet 5 of Bao Lam 1 Commune, showed that his herd of 240 pigs began experiencing unexplained deaths, with affected animals showing signs of high fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, and laboured breathing. Local authorities promptly inspected the farm and culled the 31 pigs in accordance with the present regulations.

According to MARD, a kilogramme (kg) of live hog prices in the North stood at ₫60,000 (US$2.29) - ₫61,000 (US$2.33) on July 27.

Meanwhile, in the Central and Central Highlands regions, prices ranged from ₫59,000 (US$2.26) to ₫61,000 (US$2.33) a kg and the Southern region saw slightly higher prices at ₫62,000 (US$2.37) - ₫63,000 (US$2.41) a kg. This marks a decrease of approximately ₫10,000 (US$0.38) a kg compared to late June 2025.

-      Saigon News