China’s Sichuan prohibits transport of live pigs, New rules due to spreading of African swine fever

In the aftermath of numerous cases of African swine fever outbreak, Southwest Chinese province Sichuan has banned the transport of live pigs. Around 500,000 pigs have been culled in China since August due to the fear of spreading the virus across regions and neighboring countries.

Two cases of African swine fever were confirmed in the previous week in Xinjin County and Gao County in Sichuan, one of the major pork production provinces in China. According to XinhuaNet, the province has totally prohibited the transport of live hogs to other parts of the nation, as well as prohibited live hogs and pork products of other provinces and regions from entering Sichuan.

The outbreak is claimed to be under control presently with the setting up of over 50 disinfection spots in the affected areas. With an objective to ensure the infection is not further transmitted, relevant enterprises including fodder manufacturers have also been examined. A strict law of punishing the illegal trade or transport has also been imposed.

On the other hand, the farmers who suffer losses due to the culling processes of affected pigs will receive subsidies from the provincial government. The steps have necessarily been taken as African swine fever is highly contagious and can take the lives of many men and animals.

"The notice comes as the world's top pork producer struggles to contain the disease with more than 60 outbreaks in 18 provinces since early August, leading to the culling of hundreds of thousands of pigs," Reuters noted.