Thousands of pig farmers devastated by African swine fever outbreak in Vietnam’s Nghe An

Since the start of 2025, the provincial livestock sector has recorded 86 outbreak sites, resulting in the culling of 23,216 pigs, equivalent to 1,543 metric tons of meat, according to Nong Nghiep & Moi Truong (Agriculture & Environment) newspaper.

In recent months, the epidemic has surged dramatically, hitting small-scale farmers the hardest.

Province-wide data shows that 3,327 pigs were culled in May, nearly 10,000 more in June, and an additional 7,912 from July 1 to 15.

The rapid spread of the disease has left many farmers in despair after suffering devastating financial losses.

One tragic case involves Tran Van Nam, a pig farmer with over 20 years of experience in Nam Dan Commune.

He was forced to cull 48 pigs infected with ASF, suffering losses estimated at over VND600 million (US$22,950).

"Overnight, my family lost everything. We just hope the government provides support to help us recover," he shared.

Pham Van Hien from Hoa Quan Commune was in a similarly dire situation, having had a healthy herd of hundreds of fattening pigs just weeks earlier.

However, within one week, 80 pigs were culled due to ASF infection, and another 30 showed symptoms and were awaiting destruction.

"We strictly follow a closed-farm system, control all feed inputs, and ensure full vaccination—yet somehow the disease still reached us," Hien sorrowfully said.

"With an initial stock of more than 280 pigs, including 15 sows, our loss is enormous."

Le Van Ty, deputy chairman of the commune's administration, said the outbreak has resurged since early July and has now spread to 22 of the commune's 28 hamlets.

To date, over 60 metric tons of infected pork has been culled, amounting to losses of around VND4 billion ($153,000).

Local authorities have ramped up communication efforts to raise awareness about the disease's characteristics, severity, and dangers, encouraging residents to take preventive measures and report new cases promptly.

"We also carry out regular patrols and are determined to prevent the dumping of dead pigs into the environment—whether ponds, lakes, canals, streams, or rivers," Ty said. 

"We support the safe disposal of carcasses to maintain environmental hygiene."