Authorities tighten African swine fever controls after 14,002 pigs affected

Lao authorities are tightening controls to contain an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) after 14,002 pigs died or were culled across 95 villages in 19 districts of seven provinces, with officials preparing a risk-based system to gradually ease restrictions in areas where the disease risk is lower.
As of September 22, a total of 10,041 pigs had died after contracting the virus, while another 3,961 were culled to prevent further transmission, Director General of the Department of Livestock and Fisheries Mr Bouahong Khamha said at a media briefing on Thursday.
Most of the affected pigs – 11,086 – belonged to household farmers, while 2,916 were raised on commercial farms.

Mr Bouahong Khamha

The outbreak was first reported on September 11. Since then, authorities at all levels have implemented measures to prevent the disease from spreading, including suspending the movement of pigs and pork products between provinces and districts and prohibiting imports of pigs and pork products.
Mr Bouahong said the number of new cases was declining in northern Laos, while no cases had been reported in the central and southern regions.
However, the restrictions have affected pig farmers, businesses and the wider economy, prompting authorities to prepare a risk-based approach that would maintain strict controls in outbreak areas while allowing carefully monitored movement in lower-risk areas.
Under the planned system, areas experiencing outbreaks will be designated Red Zones, where strict disease-control measures will remain in place.
Yellow Zones, where the risk of infection is considered higher but no active outbreak has been confirmed, will remain under close surveillance.
In areas assessed as having a low risk of infection, authorities may allow pig movements on a case-by-case basis, particularly for animals from closed-system farms with appropriate biosecurity measures.
Such pigs must be monitored for at least 14 days and tested for the virus. If any animals show signs of illness or die, samples must immediately be sent for laboratory testing and movement will be suspended if the virus is detected.
In Green Zones, where no outbreaks have been reported, authorities plan to maintain preventive measures while gradually easing movement restrictions under controlled conditions.
Before pigs can be transported from farms to slaughterhouses or other farms, blood samples must be collected and sent to the Animal Disease Diagnostic Centre under the Department of Livestock and Fisheries. Movement will only be permitted after laboratory tests confirm that the virus is not detected.
The Vientiane and provincial Departments of Agriculture and Environment will authorise movements between provinces, while movements between districts will require approval from the relevant district Agriculture and Environment Office.
Authorities will also establish committees to oversee pig movements and assign veterinary officials to monitor transportation and ensure proper handover procedures between provinces and districts.
At slaughterhouses, veterinary officials must inspect meat for hygiene and signs of disease before pork can be released for sale. If disease is suspected, a meat transport certificate will not be issued and the pork cannot be sold.
All pork shipments for sale must carry a valid transport certificate issued by the slaughterhouse. Industry and commerce authorities, together with other relevant agencies, will continue monitoring pork distribution.
District Agriculture and Environment Offices will also work with market operators to inspect pig carcasses and pork entering markets. Strict action will be taken when the origin of pork cannot be verified.
Authorities are requiring farms and businesses to strengthen biosecurity, including disinfecting vehicles used to transport animals and cleaning and changing clothing when entering or leaving pig farms.
Mr Bouahong warned that individuals and businesses that violate the regulations will face appropriate action.
Although the number of new cases is gradually declining, he stressed that the outbreak has not yet been fully brought under control.
All sectors are therefore urged to continue monitoring the disease and working closely with authorities to prevent further spread.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update September 24, 2026)