On 5/8, the investigative police agency of Thanh Hoa province arrested Le Manh Dang, 35, Mai Van Hung, Ngo Thi Lan, and Le Huu Tuan, all from Thanh Hoa, for investigation of violations of food safety regulations.

Authorities seized a batch of pork infected with african swine fever. Photo: Lam Son

Authorities seized a batch of pork infected with african swine fever. Photo: Lam Son

5 days earlier, authorities discovered a large quantity of frozen and unfrozen pork being sold without documentation at slaughterhouses and warehouses co-owned by Dang and his partners.

Veterinary authorities tested over 1,600 kg of the seized pork and confirmed it was positive for the african swine fever virus.

The group confessed that since April, under Dang's direction, they collected sick and weak pigs from suppliers, slaughtered them at home, and then distributed the meat. To avoid detection, these illegal operations often took place late at night or early in the morning.

African swine fever, originating in Africa, spreads rapidly with a near 100% mortality rate in infected pigs. The virus is present in the blood, organs, and secretions of infected pigs. It's highly resistant, able to withstand low temperatures, and is only killed at 70 degrees Celsius. Transmission occurs through respiratory and digestive routes, via direct or indirect contact with contaminated materials. While the disease doesn't infect humans, they can act as carriers.

According to the latest report from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in July, 29 provinces and cities reported 571 outbreaks of african swine fever, resulting in the death and destruction of 73,488 pigs. Compared to June, the number of outbreaks increased by 347, a 2.54-fold increase, and the number of pig deaths increased by 64,652, an 8.42-fold increase. July marked the highest number of outbreaks so far this year.

Le Hoang