Champasak Province Implements Strict Measures Against African Swine Fever Outbreak

Champasak Province has implemented strict biosecurity measures to contain the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs. ASF was first reported in Laos in Tumlan District, Salavan Province, in June 2019. New outbreaks were reported in Xayaboury and Phongsaly provinces in June 2026 before spreading to Huaphanh, Xaysomboun and Vientiane. The current outbreak has affected five provinces, 13 districts and 81 villages, resulting in the death or culling of 11,396 pigs, causing economic losses and affecting livestock production. Under the provincial directive, the Department of Agriculture and Environment, together with municipal and district authorities, will strengthen disease surveillance and deploy technical teams to affected areas. Authorities are required to immediately collect and send samples from sick or dead pigs to the Animal Health Research Center. Temporary quarantine measures must be imposed without waiting for laboratory confirmation, including isolating sick animals, restricting movement, safely disposing of carcasses and prohibiting the slaughter of sick pigs. If ASF is confirmed, local authorities must establish disease-response task forces and implement control measures in accordance with Decree No. 228/Gov, while submitting daily reports to relevant authorities. The province has also suspended the movement of live pigs and pork products between districts and provinces, as well as imports of live pigs and pork products from abroad. Checkpoints and vehicle disinfection stations will be established at provincial entry points. Authorities have been instructed to increase public awareness of ASF and require farmers, traders and livestock businesses to strengthen biosecurity measures, including farm fencing, visitor controls, entrance disinfection and regular sanitation. The provincial administration has warned that illegal movement or smuggling of livestock and pork products will be subject to fines or prosecution in accordance with the law. The measures aim to contain the outbreak, prevent further transmission and protect pig production and the livelihoods of farmers in Champasak Province. Information Source: KPL Laos News