On Thursday, June 13, the Vietnamese government confirmed that it is taking steps to compensate pig farmers for losses from African swine fever, due to which nearly two and a half million animals were rejected.

The executive branch instructed local administrations and organizations involved in the business to propose compensation plans and other measures to support farmers affected by the mass epidemic.

The disease spread throughout most of the country and killed almost six percent of the pig population. According to preliminary estimates, losses are estimated at approximately $ 150 million.

The Vietnamese government also advised farmers to refocus on aquaculture and poultry production to offset the possible increase in shortages of pork, traditionally the staple food in the country.

According to Rabobank, a world leader in food and agricultural finance and sustainable development banking, pig farming in Vietnam is in a very difficult situation due to African swine fever and is under increasing pressure.

In a recent report, the organization predicted that by 2019, pork production in Vietnam would decline by at least 10 percent and consumption by seven percent.

In Vietnam, an outbreak was discovered in February in the northern province of Hung Yen, bordering China, however, the disease quickly spread to neighboring territories. At the same time, the epidemic is under relative control.