Most of the province’s street markets continue to sell these products despite a recent outbreak of Blue Ear Disease in the region.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Son, Deputy Chairman of Binh Hung Hoa A Ward, said that because of a shortage in the veterinary force, there have been large instances of uncertified pork sold at low prices in small markets, popular among poorer citizens and laborers. Sellers display healthy products in their stalls and sell unsafe products for illegal consumption, causing difficulties in curbing the activity.

Mr. Nguyen Van Kia, Chief of District 12’s Animal Controlling Station, insisted that illegal slaughters persist at night and that the perpetrators have readily turned their tools toward inspectors rather than suffer penalties.

Unfortunately, many farmers continue raising pigs coming from provinces affected by Blue Ear.

According to PhD Nguyen Xuan Binh, Deputy Director of the Animal Health Center of Section 6, the continued husbandry of pigs in affected areas is the main reason Blue Ear persists in Long An.

To protect their health, consumers are warned against buying uncertified pork in markets.