Three days ago, residents reported to the village head about pigs infected with African swine fever. The People's Committee of Nghia Hanh commune sent a task force to coordinate with veterinary officials to handle the situation at each affected household.
"Surprisingly, they asked me to pay 600,000 VND," said Nguyen Hai, who owned a herd of nearly 20 pigs. When a sow in her herd became ill, her family reported it to the local authorities for disposal. Security camera footage at her house recorded the incident.
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Mrs. Thu next to her empty pigsty as all her pigs died of African swine fever, afternoon of 19/7. Photo: Pham Linh |
Mrs. Thu next to her empty pigsty as all her pigs died of African swine fever, afternoon of 19/7. Photo: Pham Linh
Similarly, Mrs. Thu, a nearby resident, was also charged 500,000 VND when her sow contracted the disease. "I reported it immediately for quick disposal to prevent the spread, but unexpectedly I had to pay," she said indignantly.
Many residents are concerned that if this continues, the cost of disposing of dead pigs will become a burden, especially for large-scale farms.
Leaders of Nghia Hanh commune confirmed the charges but asserted that "this is not local policy." According to regulations, the cost of disposing of diseased pigs is covered by the local government, and residents are not required to pay any fees.
"The commune has directed veterinary services and relevant forces to carry out the disposal, and the police are investigating to clarify the responsibility of the individuals involved," a commune leader said.
On the afternoon of 19/7, about 10 households were refunded. The money was sent by the disposal team to the village head, who then returned it to the residents.
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Authorities dispose of pigs above the Thach Bich bridge, Quang Ngai. Photo: Pham Linh |
Authorities dispose of pigs above the Thach Bich bridge, Quang Ngai. Photo: Pham Linh
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, since the beginning of the year, the country has recorded more than 514 outbreaks of African swine fever in 28 provinces and cities, with over 30,000 pigs infected, dead, or culled. Currently, there are 248 active outbreaks in 20 localities.
In Quang Ngai alone, African swine fever has spread to 184 farms in 15 communes and wards. Nearly 1,300 pigs have been culled, with a total weight of over 63 tons.
Given the complex situation, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on 18/7 requested localities to resolutely handle and cull pigs infected or suspected of being infected, while proactively implementing support policies for farmers in accordance with regulations. The government leader emphasized that organizational arrangements should not affect the effectiveness of disease prevention and control.
Pham Linh
