African swine fever (ASF) cannot be transmitted from animals to humans, the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) confirmed on Monday.
DLD director-general Sorawit Thaneto said ASF, which is currently spreading in China and some European countries is a pig-specific virus that cannot infect humans.
"However, neither a vaccine nor a cure has been found for infected pigs. When a case is found, the infected hog must be culled," he said.
There have been no reports of pigs infected by this disease in Thailand, said Mr Sorawit.
The fever was first detected in China and has been found in 18 farms and abattoirs across six provinces, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation's (FAO) statement released last week. It also warned of a possible outbreak in countries that imports pork products or live pigs from affected regions.
The department has given measures that authorities and livestock farmers must follow to prevent the spread of the disease, he said.
To prevent the disease, DLD has formed special committee to oversee the issue, which is comprised of representatives from state and private entities, academics and the Swine Raisers Association of Thailand.
DLD officers were also deployed to alert pig farms to observe their livestock for symptoms that may include sudden death, high fever, skin rashes and/or bruises, according to Mr Sorawit.
The agency would step up measures to ensure pigs and pork products are not illegally brought into the country through Thailand's 89 border passes, he said.
The import of hogs and pork products from China and other countries affected by ASF would be halted for 90 days.
DLD is also on high alert for the outbreak of poultry diseases. Officers are visiting local farmers to advise them to use disinfectants and to refrain from dumping dead poultry in waterways or eating the carcasses, he said.
"People should not panic. Thailand has stringent measures to prevent any outbreaks," said Mr Sorawit.
For more information, people can contact the DLD's Bureau of Disease Control and Veterinary Services or mobile phone application "DLD 4.0", he added.
