According to Lao Dong Newspaper, on July 19, at many traditional markets in the old Hoa Binh City (now Phu Tho Province), pork is still sold but only a few stalls are in operation.
Both sellers and buyers are cautious after the news of African swine fever in some neighboring localities.
At Tan Thinh market (also known as Tong market) in Hoa Binh ward, Phu Tho province, during the morning rush hour, the bustling pork selling area now has only a few traders chopping the meat slowly. Ms. Nguyen Thi Than's stall is one of the few still open.
"Every morning a pig sells out, but these past few days I have only consumed a few tricks of pork in the thighs. Since the news of the epidemic, there have been few visitors, many of whom have just stopped by and gone. Now there are only long-time regular customers buying and supporting," Ms. Than shared.
Some stalls next to the road are empty, and the owner is not selling pork. According to traders, due to the re-appearance of African swine fever in some communes such as Yen Thuy, Thung Nai, Cao Phong..., the pigs in the locality were affected, causing many slaughterhouses to temporarily close or reduce the scale of slaughter.
The fear of consumers also makes business sluggish, some sellers take a few days off to " listen the situation".
Similar situations occur at Huu Nghi market, Nghia Phuong... Going around these markets, it is not difficult to see the scarcity of pork stalls, while vegetables, chicken, fish, and tofu are more crowded than usual.
Ms. Luong Thao, a trader at Nghia Phuong market, said: "The market still has pork, but few people buy it. Many housewives have switched to buying chicken or fish. We also have to clearly explain the source of meat taken from the slaughterhouse is quarantined to reassure customers, but we still cannot sell much".
Some consumers expressed concern, even though they knew that African swine fever was not transmitted to humans. Ms. Nguyen Thi Khanh, Hoa Binh ward, said: "I still eat pork but I limit it. Only buy at a familiar place, see a clear quarantine stamp. If you are not confident, switch to eating beans and fish for sure".
The scarcity of pork has caused prices of other foods to increase slightly. The price of live chickens has increased from 85,000 to 95,000 VND/kg, and tilapia has also increased to 55,000 VND/kg.
Some markets have begun to see frozen pork, but the consumption is not high because consumers still prefer fresh meat.
According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Phu Tho province, by 3:00 p.m. on July 18, the whole province still had 34 communes and wards with African swine fever that had not passed 21 days.
Talking to reporters, Mr. Truong Thanh Son - Deputy Head of the Market Management Department of the old Hoa Binh province (now Phu Tho province) said: "We also propagate and advise people not to slaughter or consume pigs of unknown origin. Markets are still allowed to sell pork, as long as they ensure veterinary quarantine and clear origin".
According to Mr. Son, people are also increasingly raising awareness and being cautious when choosing to buy food in the context of complicated epidemics.
