African swine flu was touching in Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, People’s Republic of China (PRC) at the end of May, FAO said in its announcement.

“ASF outbreaks are reported in Yunnan Province. It is a matter concern to Myanmar. This is because Yunnan borders Myanmar and it is also a place of fast flow of commodities and commuters. Therefore it will be more likely to be a state of spreading disease. There were 136 ASF outbreaks in China within 10 months. According to the announcement of the FAO, African swine flu touched in Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, People’s Republic of China (PRC) on May 29. This region borders Mongla region in Myanmar. Moreover, it is also a few miles far from Kengtung in Shan State,” said Dr. Min Thein Maw, Director of Department of Livestock Breeding and Veterinary.

Since the China Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) confirmed its first African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in Liaoning Province on 3 August 2018, 136 ASF outbreaks detected in 32 Provinces/Autonomous Regions/Municipalities/Special Administrative Region. 1,129,000 pigs have been culled in an effort to halt further spread.

The FAO regarded Myanmar, Lao, Cambodia and Viet Nam as the most highly dangerous countries as ASF outbreaks occurred in Yunnan Province, China. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Breeding and Irrigation of Myanmar considered the ASF as B-list communicable disease in  accord with Animal Health and Development Law (17/93) on February 20.

 African swine flu broke out in China, leaving numerous pig deaths. Therefore, the Department of Livestock Breeding and Veterinary issued a statement. The statement said pigs and pig products are temporarily prohibited from being transported or bought or sold through border routes, airports and seaports.

Translated and Edited by Win Htut