China Sees Control of Pig Disease (1/2)

The government of China says much progress has been made in efforts to control the spread of blue-ear pig disease. Government officials said last week that 47000 pigs were infected in July. That was down more than 50% from the number reported for June. The name for the virus comes from the fact that infected pigs can temporarily develop discolored ears. The scientific name is porcinereproductive and respiratorysyndrome.

China has an estimated 500 million pigs. An Agriculture Ministryspokesman said more than 100 million pigs have been given vaccine to prevent the disease.

The spokesman said 257000 pigs were infected with the virus this year. 68000 of them died. Many more were destroyed. An Agriculture Ministry official said the outbreak involves a form of the virus that is unusually deadly to pigs.

Vietnam also has reported recent cases of blue-ear disease. The disease causes reproductive failure in female pigs and breathing difficulties in young pigs. Older pigs may also be affected.