The Agriculture Ministry on Wednesday issued tighter regulations on pig and cattle importers to prevent diseased animals, especially those with swine fever, from entering the Kingdom.

Agriculture Minister Veng Sakhon issued a notice that all importers of the animals must be registered and have valid licences which clearly state the country of origin.

“Companies or businesses that transport animals across the country have to have valid health certificates in English from the exporting countries that the animals are free from disease,” he said.

Tan Phannara, the ministry’s Animal Health and Production Department director, said that the notice specifically targets the import of pigs and cattle from Thailand and Vietnam.

“Our officials are regularly monitoring companies and traders who transport pigs and cattle,” he said. “We are also monitoring the border points to make sure no animal is brought into the country illegally.”

• Tags: Agriculture Ministry, animals, disease, health, swine fever, Veng Sakhon