Network analysis of the sick-pig commodity chain in Northern Vietnam: Risk of disease dissemination

A study was carried out between January and July 2016 to investigate the sickpig trade network which is believed to have been operating in Northern Vietnam for decades. From early 2015, many warnings about the existence of this illegal network have been published in local newspapers, causing great concern among consumers and authorities. The aim of this study was to investigate the commodity chain to identify the trade network, evaluate the risk of disease dissemination, and propose preventive solutions. The results showed that the sick-pig commodity chain included farmers, middlemen, slaughterhouses and consumers in the three studied districts (Van Lam, Van Giang and My Hao, in Hung Yen Province). The qualitative risk assessment determined that middlemen and slaughterhouses were the main actors in this uncontrolled chain. Appropriate administrative regulations, regardless of the importance of these actors, would be crucial to limit negative effects of sick-pig products. Furthermore, proper intervention would remove threats to other farms and long-term effects on human health.