Epidemic Zone Declared In Nan Province After Massive Pig Deaths

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Epidemic Zone Declared in Nan Province After Massive Pig Deaths

The Department of Livestock Development has declared two sub-districts in Viengsa District of Nan Province a temporary epidemic zone, after a number of pigs have fallen ill and died.

Nan livestock official Nopporn Mahakanta said no infection has been found following the inspection of eight pig farms in Taan Chum and Chomchan sub-districts where a number of pigs fell ill and died.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome is suspected to be the cause of the pig deaths.

Officials have collected samples from the dead animals and waste water at the farms to have them analyzed at the veterinary research and development center in Lampang Province to determine the exact cause of the deaths.

Meanwhile, the Department of Livestock Development's Nan office has declared the two sub-districts a temporary epidemic zone, effective from July 20 to August 19.

The transport of pigs or their carcasses to and from the area is prohibited, except with a permit issued by a veterinarian.

Any information on the disease shall be reported to local livestock volunteers and officials.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-22