African swine fever (ASF) has hit pig farms in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, putting both farmers’ incomes and the country’s pork supply at risk. Understanding the scale of the outbreaks helps explain why pork prices and availability may change soon.

In Ca Mau Province, the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment reported 23 ASF outbreaks that affected 138 farming households across 18 communes, leading to the culling of 1,667 pigs. Nine of those outbreaks had not passed the 21‑day monitoring period as of November 5.

Nearly 3,700 pigs were culled in Ca Mau Province and Can Thọ City by the end of October, according to local authorities. This total reflects the combined impact of the two regions’ disease control actions.

In Can Thọ City, the Livestock Production and Veterinary Sub‑department said the disease affected 62 farming households in 31 communes, resulting in the culling of almost 2,000 pigs. As of early November, 19 communes and wards still had outbreaks that had not passed the 21‑day monitoring period.

Can Thọ alone keeps more than 500,000 pigs and produces over 83,000 metric tons of pork each year, according to the sub‑department. Because of this scale, authorities have ordered stricter slaughter controls, checkpoints, technical guidance on disposal and disinfection, and tighter animal quarantine to protect farmers and ensure food safety ahead of Tet.