Customers buy pork at a supermarket in HCM City. A pork shortage could occur in the coming months since many pig farming households are reluctant to breed the animals due to concerns about the African swine fever. — VNS Photo

Viet Nam News / HCM CITY — Pig prices have gone up slightly in recent days in the south after falling for several weeks under the impact of African swine fever.

In Đồng Nai yesterday they went up by VNĐ1,000 a kilogramme to VNĐ41,000, Trần Minh Hùng, a local pig farmer, said.

This is a positive sign after several days of falling prices, he said.

The news about the spread of the disease has worried the public and many people have opted for other foods instead, resulting in the drop in prices, he said.

In the country’s south-western region, prices now stand at VNĐ43,000-44,000 per kilogramme compared to VNĐ53,000-56,000 before the breakout of the disease.

Xuân, a trader at Bình Điền Wholesale Market in HCM City’s District 8 said prices in the south-western provinces have shown signs of recovery because pork consumption there has gradually returned to normal.

In fact, African swine fever has only appeared in the northern and central regions, he added.

According to many pig traders, a pork shortage could occur in the coming months since many pig farming households are reluctant to breed the animals due to concerns about the disease.

Lý Văn Hương, owner of a sow farm in Bình Thuận Province, said before the disease his farm sold around 1,000 piglets a month, but now sales have dipped by 20 per cent.

Prices have dropped from VNĐ1.5-1.7 million for a piglet weighing seven to nine kilogrammes to VNĐ900,000-1 million, he added.

Pork consumption

According to the Bình Điền and Thủ Đức wholesale markets in HCM City, pork buying by kitchens to feed school children and company workers remains normal but traders at traditional markets said sales were down significantly since consumers opt for other foods.

Besides, the ratio of pigs weighing 80-90kg entering the markets is higher than previously because farmers are afraid of the spread of the disease, they said.

To reassure consumers, pork suppliers have clearly informed consumers that the disease does not affect humans. Besides, authorities have publicised the process of preventing epidemics and stepped up inspections.

Vissan JSC, one of the country’s leading food producers and sellers of fresh meat, processed foods and meat products, on March 21 promised to supply 100 per cent safe pork and process all of its products from safe pork.

The company said 100 per cent of its materials are supplied by its own farms and partners in the southeastern region, where the disease has not spread.

With its closed process from breeding to slaughtering and distribution, the company can fully control quality, it said. — VNS