Authorities ordered to act against swine fever

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said its general office has issued a notice asking authorities to enhance efforts to control African swine fever and other major swine-related diseases this autumn and winter.

The notice requires authorities to pay special attention to prevention and control as gradually falling temperatures heighten the risk of the spread of the diseases.

Authorities should make full efforts to vaccinate pigs, and continue strict monitoring, sterilization and quarantine measures to contain African swine fever. Companies and individuals in related businesses are also required to follow laws, regulations and technical norms, upgrade equipment and improve management to guard against infections.

Authorities should also train companies and individuals, including veterinarians at the grassroots level, to help them master disease-prevention skills.

The notice also tasked authorities with curbing the spread of other livestock and poultry diseases, such as brucellosis and the highly pathogenic avian flu.

New list identifies key drinking water sources

The Ministry of Water Resources has issued a list classifying more than 300 water sources in 15 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities along the Yangtze River as important drinking sources, ordering local water resource authorities to properly protect them.

The ministry requires authorities to strictly manage the use of the sources, carry out annual security assessments, continue to improve monitoring and efforts to prevent contamination, and promote the creation of backup or emergency water sources for cities.