Three former veterinary officials in Can Tho sentenced over diseased pigs sent to slaughter

A court in Can Tho sentenced three veterinary officials after they helped move pigs infected with African swine fever into slaughter and onto the market.

The Regional People's Court No. 12 on September 4 sentenced Le Quoc Nhien to five years in prison. Pham Hong Phuc and Phan Ngoc Toai each received one-year sentences for abusing their positions while performing official duties.

The same case brought prison terms for two traders. Luu Van Nam received two years and Thi Hong Cam three years for violating food-safety regulations. The court also fined Nam 40 million dong and Cam 50 million dong.

Authorities inspected the Dang Phu Ty slaughterhouse in Vinh Vien commune on October 9, 2025, after receiving information that sick and dead pigs were being slaughtered and sent to consumers. Inspectors found 40 live pigs in 14 pens and a slaughtered pig weighing 120 kilograms on a motorbike, ready to leave the facility. The carcass carried an official slaughter-control stamp.

A rapid test identified African swine fever virus in the meat. Investigators traced the pig to Cam, who sold pork at Vinh Vien Market. Authorities then inspected two pork stalls and seized more than 840 kilograms of butchered pork for testing. Ten of 12 samples tested positive for the virus.

The indictment said veterinary officials Nhien, Phuc and Toai, who worked at Veterinary Livestock Station Area XIII in Can Tho, abused their authority by stamping diseased pigs as approved for slaughter. That allowed Cam and Nam to sell the meat on the market.