Laos joins list of countries affected by African Swine Fever

by | Jun 25, 2019 | 5 Ag Stories, News

The list just seems to keep growing. Laos has now been added to the list of Southeast Asian Countries affected by African Swine Fever (ASF). China has banned direct and indirect imports of pigs, wild boars, and related products from Laos after the first outbreak of the ASF virus was found in that country. The southeast Asian nation reported the first outbreaks late last week. China?s General Administrator of Customs says if illegally imported pigs, wild boars, and their products are intercepted by officials at the Chinese border, they?ll be destroyed under the supervision of customs agents.

The World Organization for Animal Health says Laos confirmed the first deadly outbreaks of African Swine Fever in a southern province. ASF is deadly to pigs but doesn?t harm human beings. Officials in Laos say seven separate outbreaks have led to the deaths of almost 1,000 animals.

Thailand has officially joined China in banning imports from Laos. ASF has hit the entire country of China hard. Officials report outbreaks in all of its mainland regions, as well as Hainan Island and Hong Kong. The Chinese ASF outbreak was first reported back in August of last year.