African swine fever outbreak in Vietnam: Symptoms, risks, and how to prevent it
Since January, more than 514 outbreaks have been reported in 28 of Vietnam's 34 provinces and cities. Over 30,000 pigs have either died from the disease or been culled to prevent its spread, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam.
At present, 248 outbreaks remain active in 20 provinces—many of them major pig-rearing zones—raising alarm over the risk of wider transmission.
In this context, the government of Vietnam has ordered strict measures to prevent any further spread of the flu.
As per local reports, authorities have been told to activate all available resources, enhance surveillance, and respond swiftly to new cases. Immediate culling of infected or suspected pigs is mandated under current protocols, with support promised for affected farmers.
The government has also ordered a crackdown on the illegal transport and sale of pigs, especially those infected or not properly quarantined.
Understanding ASF
ASF was first reported in East Africa in the early 1920s as an acute hemorrhagic fever that caused the death of almost all infected domestic pigs. It remained confined to Africa until 1957, when it appeared in Portugal. ASF has since spread to Europe, Asia, and the Americas, causing significant economic losses to the swine industry.
2018 saw one of the worst cases of ASFV in China. The outbreak led to a substantial decrease in the pig population, with the number of hogs dropping by 40.5% and sows by 39.3% between August 2018 and August 2019.
African swine fever is a viral disease affecting pigs, both domestic and wild. It spreads easily and has a near-100% fatality rate in infected animals. Though not harmful to humans, ASF's impact on livestock can lead to pork shortages, price hikes, and disruptions in international trade. As for the vaccine, in 2023, Vietnam approved the domestic commercial use of its first home-grown African swine fever vaccines, but officials said the rate of vaccinated pigs remains low.
Signs to watch out for
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, signs to watch for include:
High fever
Sudden loss of appetite
Weakness and depression
Vomiting or diarrhea
Respiratory distress
Abortions in pregnant sows
Blotchy or discolored skin
Unexplained sudden deaths
How to prevent fever from spreading
For those working in agriculture, the best protection is vigilance. Authorities advise farmers to limit pig contact with feral swine, avoid feeding food waste that might contain contaminated pork, and tighten on-farm biosecurity. Further, for anyone traveling back from countries where ASF is present is urged not to bring back any pork products, as the virus can survive in cured meats and processed foods.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
20 hours ago
- The Hindu
Workplace wellness: Sound bath therapy rises in corporate India
Once regarded as a healing ritual reserved for yoga retreats and spiritual workshops, sound bath therapy is quietly entering corporate India. Companies across sectors, from IT to design, are now scheduling sound bath sessions as structured interventions in their employee wellness programmes. In cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai, human resource departments are commissioning facilitators to conduct sound therapy sessions for senior executives and their teams. A single 45-minute group session, often held at the office or a partner wellness studio, is priced anywhere between ₹25,000 and ₹45,000. The cost varies depending on the size of the group, instruments used and the level of personalisation requested. With conversations around emotional well-being gaining more space in the workplace, sound bath therapy is finding a firmer foothold. It is now being scheduled, allocated budgets and added to corporate calendars with intention. 'We also have custom wellness add-ons for companies that want a deeper experience,' says Juhi Reddy, co-founder of The Healing Frequency in Hyderabad. 'Some opt for monthly sound healing sessions, while others ask for pre-recorded guided meditations co-branded with their internal initiatives,' she adds. These are typically used during short work breaks or circulated over internal apps as part of the company's mental health strategy. In a sound bath therapy setting, facilitators use Himalayan singing bowls, gongs, bamboo rain sticks, ocean drums, tuning forks and kalimbas (an African musical instrument) to guide participants into a deeply relaxed state. Participants are usually seated or lie on mats, eyes closed, as layers of sound wash over them. The sessions are preceded by a short briefing and often followed by informal reflection or, in some companies, structured team-building exercises. Ashwin Rao, HR head at a mid-sized technology firm in Bengaluru, says their first experience with a sound bath session 'lowered the temperature in the room, figuratively speaking.' He adds, 'Our teams spend a lot of time in front of screens, managing tight deadlines. This was perhaps the first time we offered them a quiet room, not to think or problem-solve, but to just be. And they appreciated it.' While workplace stress is the primary reason companies seek these sessions, psychologists and healthcare professionals point out other emotional and cognitive benefits. 'Sound can gently guide the mind towards clarity, especially when one is overwhelmed,' says psychologist Anita Rao. 'A quiet setting paired with harmonic vibrations can help individuals process emotions like anger or regret. These feelings often surface but are quickly suppressed in high-pressure work environments. This isn't about solving problems, it's about giving the mind room to organise itself.' Dr Sandeep Jyot, a diabetologist who runs the Institute of Sound Healing in Chandigarh, says the demand has grown consistently over the last three years. 'We have over 500 sound therapy practitioners across India. Many of them are working with Fortune 500 companies,' he says. His own work spans across Mumbai and the Delhi-NCR region. In Chennai, therapist Veenu Singh has adapted the format to suit boardroom culture. Her sessions include an introduction to the science of vibrational therapy and emotional de-escalation, followed by a sound bath that is quiet but deliberate. 'It's important that the session has a purpose. Participants need to leave with not just calm, but comprehension of what changed in their body,' she says. Milestone events Interestingly, sound therapy is now extending beyond corporate floors. At many milestone birthday parties and pre-wedding gatherings, the deep resonance of Himalayan bowls is replacing cocktail-hour chatter, at least temporarily. 'Weddings and big events come with emotional weight,' says Juhi. 'Some clients request a session for the bride or groom and their close friends the night before the ceremony. It helps everyone arrive at the moment without the chaos.' One such session, led by Juhi, took an unexpected turn. 'It began as a relaxing ritual. But halfway through, people started crying, laughing, hugging. The sound became a space in which they could release emotions they didn't know they were carrying,' she recalls. In Visakhapatnam, wellness practitioner Purrna Kraleti is preparing to host the city's first sound bath event at her wellness studio Phoenix Soul-utions. 'I came across sound therapy during the lockdown,' she says. 'What struck me was the way sound slowed me down in a way that felt deeply natural. It didn't ask for effort, it just worked.' Dr Suman Das, a radiation oncologist based in Visakhapatnam, cautions viewing sound therapy as a cure. However, he acknowledges its value, especially in emotionally high-stress contexts. 'In palliative care, both patients and caregivers face prolonged psychological fatigue. Sound therapy is one of the few supportive interventions that creates a non-verbal, non-invasive environment conducive to emotional processing. Grief requires stillness. Sound, when used properly, can offer that space.'
The Print
a day ago
- The Print
Merck Foundation Provides Training for Journalists from 35 Countries During the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative
Harare [Zimbabwe]/ Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 31: Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025, in presence of Merck Foundation CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej and African & Asian First Ladies, who are the Ambassadors of 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother'. During the Summit, Merck Foundation Health Media Training session was also conducted on Day 2, for African journalists, to emphasize on the important role the media plays to influence our society to create a cultural shift with the aim to Break Infertility Stigma, Support Girl Education, Stop Gender Based Violence, End Child Marriage, End FGM, and Empower Women at all levels. Moreover, to raise awareness about early detection & prevention of Diabetes & Hypertension. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, Chairperson of MFFLI Summit, and President of 'More Than a Mother' campaign, emphasized, 'I strongly believe that media has the power to shape mindsets and create a culture shift. Journalists can drive real change through their daily reporting by raising awareness about critical social and health issues–such as breaking the stigma of infertility, promoting girls' education, ending child marriage, stopping gender-based violence, and encouraging early detection and prevention of diabetes and hypertension.' Watch the Merck Foundation Health Media Training session here: The Merck Foundation Health Media Training is a part of 'Merck Foundation More than a Mother' Community Awareness Program. Since 2017, Merck Foundation has provided their Health Media Training for more than 3,700 media representatives from 35 countries in Africa. During the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit, two important occasions were marked; the 8th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 13 years of Merck Foundation's development programs that started in 2012. On the Day 1, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit took place, featuring a high-level panel discussion with the participating First Ladies of Africa and Asia. Moreover, a high-level panel discussion was held with African Ministers and top healthcare experts from across the globe. During the Day 2 of the conference, two Medical and Scientific Sessions on Oncology and Diabetes & Hypertension also took place. During the 7th Edition of MFFLI Summit, the Call for Applications for 8 annual Merck Foundation Awards in partnership with African and Asian First Ladies were announced for best Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and emerging talents. 'I strongly believe that these awards encourage creative storytelling to raise awareness about critical social and health issues. Since 2017, we have been launching these awards together with my esteemed sisters, the African and Asian First Ladies, who are also the Ambassadors of the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Campaign. I am looking forward to all the entries from young talents for these important awards,' Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej added. Details of the Awards: 1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: Media representatives and students are invited to showcase work raising awareness about Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. 2. Merck Foundation Film Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: African filmmakers, film students, and young talents are invited to create long or short films (drama, documentary, or docudrama) addressing Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. 3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: African fashion students and designers are invited to create designs delivering impactful messages on Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. 4. Merck Foundation Song Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: African singers and musical artists are invited to create songs addressing Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. 5. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 'Diabetes & Hypertension': Media representatives are invited to showcase work promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. 6. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2025 'Diabetes & Hypertension': African filmmakers, film students, and young talents are invited to create films promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. 7. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2025 'Diabetes & Hypertension': African fashion students and designers are invited to create designs promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. 8. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2025 'Diabetes & Hypertension': African singers and musical artists are invited to create songs promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. Entries for all awards are to be submitted via email to: submit@ Click the link below to Download Merck Foundation App Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard! Facebook: Merck Foundation X: @MerckFoundation YouTube: MerckFoundation Instagram: Merck Foundation Threads: Merck Foundation Flickr: Merck Foundation Website: (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
News18
3 days ago
- News18
Police bust illegal kidney transplant network in Pakistans Punjab; 8 arrested
Lahore, Jul 29 (PTI) Eight members of an illegal kidney transplant network, including doctors and nurses, have been arrested in Pakistan's Punjab province, an official said on Tuesday. According to a spokesperson of the Punjab Human Organ Transplantation Authority, a network involved in illegal kidney transplants has been uncovered in Sheikhupura, some 50-km from Lahore. He said the illegal kidney transplant procedures were conducted at a private hospital. 'During the raid, a kidney was being removed from a resident of Sheikhupura to be transplanted into an African national," the spokesperson said. Eight people, including doctors and nurses, have been arrested, he added. He said the network would charge at least PKR 7 million from a person for the illegal transplant. Usually, the kidneys are sold for up to PKR 10 million to the recipient, but donors hardly get 10 per cent of the total amount. Raids are being conducted to arrest more people involved in the illegal network, he said. The commercial trade of human organs was made illegal in Pakistan in 2010. The punishment for those caught includes a decade-long jail term and a huge fine. There has been a rise in organ trafficking in Pakistan as people struggle with low wages and poor enforcement of the law. A couple of years ago, the Punjab government had arrested the ring leader of such a network for extracting the kidneys of more than 300 people and transplanting them into rich clients. PTI MZ ZH ZH (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 29, 2025, 19:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
