On 18/11, Phan Ngoc Toai, Pham Hong Phuc, and Le Quoc Nhien, aged 45-48, were detained by Can Tho City Police. The three, who are officials, specialists, and slaughter control staff at Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station Region XIII, part of the Sub-Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, are being investigated for abuse of power while performing official duties, as stipulated in Article 356 of the Penal Code.

The inspection team collecting pork samples at Vinh Vien market for testing on 15/10. *Photo: Can Tho Police*

The incident came to light on 15/10, when economic police, in coordination with relevant units, inspected the Dang Phu Ty livestock slaughterhouse in Vinh Vien commune. This facility falls under the jurisdiction of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station Region XIII. During the inspection, authorities discovered a 120 kg pig that had been slaughtered, bore a quarantine stamp, and was being prepared for sale at Vinh Vien market.

Rapid tests and subsequent sample analysis confirmed the pig was positive for African swine fever.

The inspection team determined the pig belonged to a vendor at Vinh Vien market. Consequently, they collected samples from two pork stalls, totaling over 720 kg of meat. Results showed 10 of the 12 samples were positive for African swine fever.

According to the investigating agency, the inspection, slaughter control, and quarantine stamping in this area were the responsibility of the three defendants: Toai, Phuc, and Nhien.

African swine fever originated in Africa. It spreads rapidly and has a nearly 100% mortality rate in infected pigs. While the disease does not transmit to humans, people can act as carriers, contributing to its spread.

By An Binh