Crackdown urged on illegal sale of ASF-infected pigs in Vietnam

Thousands of pig farmers are getting into hot water, being forced to cull hundreds of pigs in a desperate bid to contain the spread of the disease.

Many of them, already struggling with debt and mounting losses, have chosen to cooperate with authorities by allowing the proper disposal of infected animals.

While most pig farmers have complied with disease control measures, a small number have sold infected pigs to illicit buyers who then supply them to processing facilities.

These tainted products are eventually distributed to retail markets, posing a serious public health risk.

Such behavior might endanger entire herds of healthy pigs and harm disease control efforts nationwide.

The issue is not confined to infected pigs alone.

Police have also seized truckloads of decomposing animal products, including chicken feet and offal.

The illegal slaughter and sale of diseased pigs are unlikely to be the work of isolated individuals.

It is doubtful that organized networks comprising farm owners, transporters, and processors have existed.

These operations allow tainted meat to make its way into informal slaughterhouses, then onto supermarket shelves and wet markets.

It is vital to take drastic actions to penalize those involved in the purchase, transport, or processing of livestock known to be infected.

Safeguarding public health requires not only cracking down on food contamination but also supporting farming practices.

Authorities should provide financial assistance and encouragement to farmers who voluntarily report infections in their herds.

In addition, they should ensure the timely and cost-free disposal of infected animals through properly managed logistics and disease-control teams.