In Điện Biên province, no cases of consumption of diseased pigs have been detected so far, but the risk remains high. From the beginning of the year to August 5, the province recorded 3,104 pigs infected with ASF, totaling more than 140 tons. ASF is a highly contagious disease, spreading rapidly, with nearly 100% mortality among infected pigs.

Điện Biên is a mountainous province with a complex and wide terrain. Many small slaughter points are scattered within residential areas and operate mainly at night or early morning, making inspections challenging. Some individuals exploit the demand for cheap pork when pigs show disease signs, buying them at low prices to slaughter and sell. Such actions not only risk spreading the disease but also threaten food safety.

Since July 1, the implementation of the two-level local government model has caused some administrative procedures, such as seals and invoices, to be incomplete, disrupting slaughterhouse oversight. Coordination among veterinary, police, market management, and local authorities has not yet been fully synchronized. Violators are increasingly sophisticated, often choosing inter-village roads or transporting at night during bad weather to avoid detection.

Meanwhile, some households, reluctant to incur losses, attempt to quickly sell diseased pigs, inadvertently aiding illegal operators and facilitating disease spread. Illegal trade and transport of diseased pigs not only violate administrative regulations in veterinary sectors but also undermine society’s collective efforts to prevent and control ASF. Each infected pig escaping control can become a source of infection, causing outbreaks in other areas, resulting in much greater losses for farmers and the state budget.

On July 28, 2025, the provincial People’s Committee issued directives to implement comprehensive measures to prevent and control ASF. These include preventing and strictly punishing cases of buying, selling, transporting diseased pigs; improper disposal of carcasses that spread disease or pollute the environment; and ensuring organizational changes do not disrupt disease control efforts. Authorities are to promptly detect, prevent, and strictly handle cases of transporting pigs or pig products without proper quarantine certificates, as well as hiding, trading, or transporting diseased pigs, and dumping carcasses that spread disease and pollute the environment.

Additionally, the province is reviewing slaughterhouse facilities, enhancing management, and strictly inspecting operations. Unlicensed or unqualified facilities that fail to meet veterinary hygiene and food safety standards will be shut down. Investment in centralized slaughter facilities is encouraged.

Local authorities and relevant agencies emphasize public awareness and responsibility, educating farmers on the risks of ASF and dangers of consuming diseased pork. Residents are required to commit to not selling or participating in the slaughter or consumption of diseased pigs, following the “Five No’s”: No hiding outbreaks; no buying, selling, or transporting diseased or dead pigs; no slaughtering or consuming diseased or dead pigs; no dumping carcasses into the environment; no feeding leftover food that has not been properly heat-treated.

Some communes have established self-management teams, coordinating with police and veterinary services to prevent illegal trade early. Certain communes, such as Sín Chải and Sam Mứn, have installed cameras at waste collection points and increased inspections and strict handling of violations. These measures raise public awareness and limit the illegal transport and sale of diseased pigs, as well as improper disposal of carcasses.

Besides enforcement, the province also supports farmers economically to prevent panic sales of diseased pigs. When outbreaks occur, local authorities implement zoning, cull infected pigs following proper procedures, and provide financial support to farmers. This encourages farmers to cooperate with authorities, minimizing clandestine sales.

Preventing the illegal trade and transport of diseased pigs is a shared responsibility of society. Even a single weak link can trigger an outbreak with unforeseeable consequences. Strict enforcement not only protects public health but also serves as a “shield” to safeguard production and maintain socio-economic stability. Effective ASF control requires decisive action from provincial to village levels, with active monitoring and participation from the public. When each household recognizes that trading diseased pigs is dangerous, illegal, and can cause long-term consequences, disease prevention efforts will be truly effective.