Vice-premier calls for efforts to combat African swine fever spread

BEIJING — Vice-Premier Hu Chunhua called for greater efforts to combat the spread of African swine fever and ensure a stable pork supply on Nov 1.

Despite positive results China has achieved in controlling the spread of the disease, Hu said the situation remained grave and it was a pressing task to intensify the control efforts.

Hu urged a crackdown on illegal activities and irregularities of pig farmers and slaughterhouses to ensure that all control efforts are firmly implemented.

Efforts should be taken to strictly and timely address any outbreaks of the disease while enhancing quarantine and monitoring to prevent its spread across regions, he said at a teleconference in Beijing.

He also urged relevant departments to unveil favorable policies for the live pig industry to ensure a stable supply of pork.