VIENTIANE, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Lao authorities have strengthened surveillance and disease-control measures against African Swine Fever (ASF) while easing regulated pig movements to help maintain a stable pork supply to local markets.
Lao News Agency on Monday quoted Sengphet Chanthasen, head of the livestock and fisheries sector in Lao capital Vientiane, as saying that ASF outbreaks were detected on Sept. 4 in two villages in Sangthong and Naxaithong districts of Lao capital. He said the outbreaks have remained contained within the affected areas.
Under the guidelines, areas are divided into three zones: red zones, where active outbreaks require strict movement controls; yellow zones, which serve as surveillance buffer areas; and green zones, where pig movements are permitted under specified conditions.
Pigs from green zones must undergo technical inspections before transport. Pigs weighing more than 100 kilograms and destined for slaughterhouses must test negative for ASF before being moved. Authorities have also designated transport routes to approved slaughterhouses, which are required to conduct pre- and post-slaughter inspections and maintain strict hygiene standards.
Sengphet said the revised movement rules are intended to balance disease control with the need to maintain an adequate and stable pork supply for consumers.
The livestock and fisheries sector will continue inspecting livestock transport, preventing illegal pork from entering outbreak zones, and taking action against unauthorised roadside meat sales and unapproved slaughtering facilities. ■