Lifestyles
Thailand Takes Serious Measures To Screen Out African Swine Fever
Thailand, one of Asia’s top pork producers, is intensifying efforts to hold off a lethal pig virus that is causing havoc as it spreads across the region.
Thailand’s National Pig Board has been order and takes serious measures to protect the country from African swine fever. African swine fever – is a disease that kills virtually pigs, its now spreading in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.
Thailand, one of Asia’s top pork producers, is intensifying efforts to hold off African swine fever.
“We’re on red alert for the pig virus,” Anan Suwannarat, the permanent secretary in Thailand’s Agriculture Ministry, said. “We’re trying everything to prevent it from spreading to Thailand.”
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Chalermchai Sri-on said they have block the import of pork products from neighboring countries.
Pigs Infected with African Swine Fever Dumped into River
Serious concerns rested with Myanmar. Ethnic groups in Myanmar simply dropped dead pigs in the bordering Ruak river where Thai farmers sourced water for their pigs.
The Livestock Development Department is imposing strict measures especially in Chiang Rai province Mr Chalermchai said.
Hundreds of pigs in Chiang Rai have been killed and buried to prevent the spread of the virus. Nopporn Mahakantha, chief of Chiang Rai’s Livestock Development Office, as saying the culling was a preventive measure against swine fever.
His deputy Prapat Pothasuthon said all vehicles crossing the borders into the country were sprayed with sterilizing solution. Thailand has tightened inspections at airports and border checkpoints.
Porous borders increase the risk of the disease entering the country.
The Thai Swine Raisers Association said the government is striving to keep the disease out. The group’s president, Surachai Sutthitham, said he is “confident Thailand can stay clear of the virus”.