BEIJING, July 19 (Xinhua) -- China's African swine fever outbreaks have been effectively contained, with recovery seen in both hog production and sales, the country's agriculture ministry said Friday.
China has reported 48 outbreaks of African swine fever so far this year, with a significant decrease in the monthly average, said Wei Baigang, an official with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, at a press conference.
The country has lifted blockade orders in 24 provincial-level regions in which the epidemic had been contained, Wei said.
China reported its first case of the disease in August 2018 in the northeastern province of Liaoning. Later outbreaks were reported in several other provincial regions.
The country has stepped up efforts to control the disease, with tougher regulation to strengthen disease prevention and control.
China will continue its disease control efforts, implement measures to boost hog production, and meanwhile ensure the supply of poultry and other pork substitutes, Wei said.
