BANGKOK, 24 June 2019 (NNT) - Infections of the African Swine Fever virus have been reported among pigs in Laos. The Department of Livestock Development has announced a ban on pork and boar imports from Laos for 90 days, effective from 21st June, and deployed officials at border crossings to prevent the spread of the outbreak into Thailand.


Officials from the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) led by livestock inspector Ritthirong Chaopho at the Thailand-Laos border area temporary market at Ban Peng Chan village, Nong Khai, have joined forces with administrative officials, border area police rangers, and the military, to inspect baggage brought into Thailand by merchants and Lao people crossing the border, to prevent any smuggling of pork products, food containing pork, illegal plants, or illegal wildlife. The screening has led to the confiscation of many items.


The officials have collected samples of pork products sold in the market for laboratory inspection, and raised awareness among Thai and Lao villagers to help prevent the spread of the African Swine Fever virus which has been reported in Laos.


The DLD director-general has issued a temporary ban on the import of pork and boar products from Laos into Thailand.


Livestock inspector Ritthirong Chaopho, said today the officials are now on high alert in border areas such as in Sangkhom district, Si Chiang Mai district, and Phon Phisai district. The virus, which is non-communicable to humans, poses a threat to the economy and border trade. Farmers are advised to report any unusual deaths among their pigs to DLD officials immediately.

National News Bureau Of Thailand