24 Thai provinces under observation in African swine flu alert

PHOTO: AFP

Sorawit Thaneto, Director General of Thailand’s Livestock Department, says 23 provinces are now being checked for African Swine Fever, as the epidemic takes hold in Asia.

There is no vaccine or cure for African Swine Fever and although it’s not thought to pose a risk to humans, it can inflict huge financial damage on the farming industry. It’s estimated that an outbreak could cost the industry in the region of 100 billion baht.

The Livestock Department has reiterated its warning that anyone who needs to transport pigs or wild boars, or their carcasses, semen or embryos, through an area being monitored for African Swine Fever, must get written permission from the veterinarian with responsibility for that area.

Those who fail to follow this procedure could face up to two years in prison and/or a fine of 40,000 baht, under the Animal Epidemic Act 2015.

The areas currently being monitored are:

North: Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Uttaradit, Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai

Northeast: Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin and Buri Ram

East: Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi and Trat

West: Ratchaburi

South: Ranong

Additionally, the following provinces have been declared partial surveillance areas:

Tak (5 districts): Umphang, Mae Sot, Tha Song Yang, Mae Ramat and Phop Phra

Phitsanulok (2 districts): Chat Trakan and Nakhon Thai

Phetchaburi (2 districts): Nong Ya Plong and Kaeng Krachan

SOURCE: The Nation