The Ministry of Agriculture said yesterday that the spread of the swine illness “blue-ear disease” is starting to decline, but urged for strict controls to be maintained on the transport of pigs around the country.

Minister of Agriculture Ouk Rabun met with experts from across the country yesterday to discuss Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome, which has infected more than 4,000 pigs, with over 1,200 needing to be culled.

Prum Vich, chief of animal health and production in the ministry’s agriculture department, said the minister urged caution when transporting pigs.

“Even though the spreading [of the disease] is down, we must be careful with pig transportation from other places that could lead to it happening again.”

Phnom Penh Municipal Veterinary Department’s Chet Phalla urged particular care when importing pigs to the capital.

“All pigs transported to Phnom Penh must be examined, especially those from affected provinces,” he said.

Banteay Meanchey provincial governor Korsum Saroeun said he was monitoring pigs crossing the Thai border.