Efforts against African swine fever take priority

China will strengthen supervision over the cross-border trade of animals amid efforts to contain the spread of African swine fever, according to a guideline issued by the State Council on Wednesday.

International cooperation in combating the illegal smuggling of live hogs is expected to intensify in the future as the country continues its fight against the unauthorized transport of animals and animal products across its borders, the guideline said.

Meanwhile, close attention will be paid to global outbreaks of the disease－which is highly contagious among pigs and often fatal but is not transmittable to humans－by way of stepping up the country's surveillance and precautionary efforts.

China will also implement stricter examinations of international deliveries, transport equipment and even the luggage of travelers to further avert transmission risks of the disease.

The heightened oversight on international trade comes as 18 countries and regions around the world have reported over 5,800 outbreaks this year, according to Yu Kangzhen, vice-minister of agriculture and rural affairs, who spoke at a news conference held by the Information Office of State Council on Thursday.

Vietnam has seen over 3,000 African swine fever outbreaks as of the end of June since the disease was first detected in February, he said.

The fight against the disease remains "complicated and grim", Yu said.

The guideline also called for concerted efforts to boost regional capabilities in containing the disease by creating a coordinated monitoring system across different areas.

It encourages major hog producers in the country to have their live pigs slaughtered in nearby facilities to reduce movement and contact with other herds. Compensation and subsidies can be used as stimulus for businesses to develop cold-chain logistics.

In the future, more zones free of African swine fever virus will be established, especially in regions with favorable natural environments that help halt swine flu's spread.

Enterprises in the hog industry with advanced biosecurity protections are also encouraged to set up small-scale zones, it added.

The country will also draft new standards to create epidemic-free zones and formulate regulations on transporting pigs and pig products across zones.

Yu added that any attempts to conceal disease outbreaks or sidestep regulatory inspections will be thoroughly investigated.

The guideline also calls for stronger supervision over key procedures in controlling the epidemic. Violators who fail to report and handle issues properly will be held accountable and investigated. Individuals and institutions who have made great contributions to safeguarding the industry will be awarded.