China faces great challenge in controlling African swine fever outbreak

China faces a great challenge in controlling the African swine fever outbreak, which has been found in 17 provinces, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said on Wednesday.

Long-distance transport of pigs is the main reason for the outbreak traveling among different regions, and vehicles that have not been properly washed and sterilized pose great risk of spreading the disease further, according to a notice issued by the ministry, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Public Security.

Some people have transported pigs from provinces with outbreaks to other regions to make money, leading to new outbreaks, the notice said.

Animal husbandry and veterinary, transportation and public security authorities should work together to implement thorough inspections at animal health checkpoints, toll stations and speed checkpoints on all vehicles transporting pigs, it said.

"Any illegal transport of infected pigs will be dealt with seriously," the notice said.

Vehicles that are found transporting infected pigs or pig products should be dealt with according to regulations and cannot be returned to their point of origin."

Animal husbandry and veterinary authorities should keep records on all vehicles transporting pigs, check quarantine certificates and the health of pigs, and make sure that the vehicles are properly washed and sterilized, it said. Public security authorities should hold accountable people who refuse to cooperate with the safety checks, the notice added.

China reported its first case of the disease in August in the northeastern province of Liaoning. African swine fever is a highly contagious, viral disease that infects pigs. It does not affect humans or other animal species.