African swine fever not detected in Ordos

According to an announcement by China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Sept 17, a new outbreak of African swine fever had been detected in Inner Mongolia. In a report on the city’s disease control work, announced on Sep 22, cases of African swine fever had not yet been discovered in the city of Ordos.

At the meeting chaired by Shi Yanjie, deputy mayor of Ordos, the inspection team made positive comments on the city's work in preventing the disease. Shi vowed that tough measures would be adopted to strengthen disease control.

Eight hogs have been killed by the disease and 14 have been infected in Zhenglan Banner, Xiliin (Xilin) Gol League as of Sept 16, reported Xinhua News Agency. 

The disease was detected on a farm that reported unexplained deaths among its livestock, according to local animal husbandry and veterinary offices. 

On Sept 17, a report was delivered by China's Animal Disease Control and Prevention Center confirming that the unexplained deaths were due to African swine fever diagnosed by China Animal Health and Epidemiology Center. 

It's the second case of the disease to be confirmed in the region. The previous case was reported on Sept 12 in Abga Banner –– the first time this disease appeared in Inner Mongolia. 

Following the confirmed cases, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs sent a team to the local area to investigate. Local authorities have now implemented an emergency response plan, with special measures put in place to cull infected hogs and quarantine areas with confirmed cases of the disease. 

Thanks to the tough measures put in place, the outbreak is now under control, according to local authorities. All live hogs and susceptible animals and products are prohibited from being transported in or out of the quarantine areas. 

African swine fever is a highly contagious, viral disease that affects hogs. It cannot be caught by humans or other species. 

China reported its first case of the disease in early August in northeastern Liaoning province, and later outbreaks were reported in several other provinces.