ASF Outbreak Reaches Seven Provinces, Authorities Step Up Zone-Based Controls

The African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak has spread across Laos, with confirmed cases now in seven provinces: Phongsaly, Xayaboury, Xaysomboun, Huaphanh, Vientiane Capital, Oudomxay, and Luang Prabang. The outbreak has resulted in the loss of 14,002 pigs, with 79.2% (11,086) from smallholder families and 20.8% (2,916) from commercial farms. Of the total, 10,041 pigs died from ASF infection, while 3,961 were culled to prevent further transmission. Preliminary economic losses are estimated to exceed 58.8 billion kip. Mr. Bouahong Khamha, Director General of the Department of Livestock and Fisheries under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, stated on September 24 that authorities and technical agencies are maintaining close surveillance and strengthening early detection and containment measures. He noted that ASF continues to pose a serious threat to pig production in Laos and the wider region due to the lack of widely available effective vaccines or commercial treatments. Disease prevention therefore relies heavily on farm-level biosecurity, early detection, and strict controls on the movement of pigs and pork products. According to Mr. Bouahong, control measures have helped slow transmission in some northern provinces, while central and southern provinces remain largely unaffected. However, restrictions on livestock and pork movement have created challenges for farmers and traders, prompting authorities to adopt a more targeted, zone-based approach. In infected (red) zones, the movement of live pigs and pork products between districts and provinces remains suspended. Imports of pork from abroad are also prohibited while active outbreaks persist. In at-risk (yellow) zones, authorities are maintaining enhanced surveillance. Closed-system commercial farms meeting required biosecurity standards can apply for special movement permits, subject to a 14-day health observation period and negative ASF test results. Any signs of illness or unexplained pig deaths must be reported immediately for laboratory sampling, with livestock movement suspended pending the results. In uninfected (green) zones, preventive measures remain in place, and the movement and distribution of pigs and pork are managed under local control plans to reduce the risk of introducing the disease. Authorities stressed that although the rate of transmission is gradually declining in some areas, the outbreak has not yet been fully contained. Farmers, traders, and the public are urged to strictly follow veterinary instructions and avoid unnecessary movement of pigs and pork products. Officials also clarified that ASF does not infect humans and poses no direct health risk. Consumers are advised to purchase pork from reliable sources and cook it thoroughly. Source: KPL Laos News