Since the beginning of the year, ASF in the province has remained complicated, with re-emergences in several areas. As of August 1, the disease affected over 610 households and 136 villages across 19 communes and wards. More than 2,940 pigs, equivalent to 133,500kg, had to be culled, nearly four times higher than the same period in 2024. In this context, many consumers fear purchasing infected pork and have gradually changed their eating habits.

Ms. Lê Thị Nhẫn from Điện Biên Phủ ward shared: “When I heard about the outbreaks in many places, I was scared. Even though I know pork sold at markets is inspected, I still feel uneasy. Therefore, my family limits pork purchases and uses chicken, fish, or vegetables instead for safety.”

This fear of ASF has caused a noticeable drop in pork demand. Ms. Nguyễn Thị Bích from Na Sang commune said: “After watching news on TV and social media about outbreaks in some localities, including areas in our province, I became very concerned. Hearing that infected pigs might be processed into food products, my family not only limits fresh pork but also reduces products like sausage, ham, and dried pork to ensure health safety.”

The cautious attitude of consumers has left the pork market sluggish, directly affecting small traders. At central markets in Điện Biên Phủ ward, many vendors report reduced sales, affecting their business operations.

Ms. Trần Thị Tình, a long-time pork seller, said: “Before, I could sell several dozen kilograms of pork daily, but now almost nothing sells. Customers buy much less, many have switched to other foods. This slow consumption has lasted for 2-3 months, causing many vendors to quit due to losses. My family still tries to continue to keep regular customers.”

At the Mường Thanh market, pork stalls are quiet. Similarly, Ms. B.T.L.’s stall has very few customers. Despite prices being lower than before and quite reasonable, consumer caution after ASF outbreaks has made sales difficult.

“Every day I sell only about 20-30kg, and some days I can’t sell all my stock. The market is still busy, but people mainly buy vegetables, fish, or poultry. Many say they fear ASF, even knowing the pork here is inspected,” Ms. L. shared.

Slow consumption not only reduces traders’ income but also affects pig farmers’ sales, leaving the pork market dull for a long time. Facing this sluggish business, many vendors hope that authorities will enhance communication, confirm the disease situation clearly, and reassure consumers. Transparent information will restore consumer confidence and help the pig farming and pork trading sector recover more quickly after this difficult period.

In response to ASF developments, the provincial People’s Committee and the Department of Agriculture and Environment have issued multiple directives to support localities in implementing coordinated preventive measures. Key solutions focus on containment, strict control of slaughter activities, and timely prevention and handling of infected or sick pigs entering the market.

However, control efforts sometimes face disruptions in certain areas, increasing the risk of sick or infected pigs being sold, which worsens public concern and negatively affects the pork market and farmers’ livelihoods.

To revive the market, it is crucial to control the disease strictly, prevent its spread, and cull infected pigs promptly. In addition, enhanced inspection and monitoring of pork origins on the market are essential to rebuild consumer trust. Public awareness campaigns on identifying and using safe pork will help eliminate fears. Once consumers are confident in product quality and origin, demand will gradually recover, revitalizing the pork market and supporting the livelihoods of farmers and vendors after this difficult period.