VIENTIANE, March 22 (Xinhua) -- The Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has announced the suspension of pork importation from Thailand and Vietnam amid the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the two countries.
According to a report issued on Wednesday from the ministry's website, the Department of Livestock and Fisheries prohibits the importation of pork, including live pigs and processed products from Thailand and Vietnam to Laos.
The department will restrict and monitor illegal importation at international border crossings, local border crossings and customs border crossings. Additionally, pork that has been smuggled or illegally imported into Laos must be destroyed.
Those who violate the regulations will face a warning record or be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, Lao government has advised Lao farmers to monitor their sick animals and cull them if they are found to be carrying the disease, in order to prevent the spread of the disease.
In 2019, ASF spread to 170 villages in 57 districts across Laos. The outbreak resulted in 18,774 pigs being infected and culled, while another 6,836 destroyed, according to the report.
ASF can not be passed from animals to humans, but people can spread the disease.
The animal epidemic affects pigs and wild boars and has an almost 100 percent death rate. It requires high temperatures to kill the virus, which can survive up to three years in frozen meat and up to one year in dried meat. ■
