African swine fever (ASF) is spreading again in Vietnam as farmers conceal outbreaks due to limited government support and lengthy compensation delays, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Tuoi Tre has reported→view source.
Key details:
- 514 outbreaks recorded in 27 provinces so far in 2025, with over 30,000 pigs sick, dead or culled; down 41 percent from last year.
- 248 outbreaks remain active in 20 provinces, particularly in northern mountainous regions such as Lang Son, Cao Bang, Dien Bien, and Phu Tho.
- Infected pigs are being sold off, slaughtered illegally, or dumped indiscriminately, with little reporting to veterinary authorities.
- Farmers cite low compensation prices and payout delays of up to a year, leaving them without capital and prompting concealment.
- Veterinary oversight has also been inadequate, with local staff failing to conduct proper inspections and disease control.
- The ministry warns of criminal penalties for knowingly spreading ASF through unauthorised trading or disposal.
Of note, past ASF waves have triggered pork shortages, opening the door for increased imports of foreign pork. A renewed outbreak could once again disrupt domestic supply and shift market share to overseas producers.
See also: How African Swine Fever is Reshaping Vietnam’s Pork Market