The Dong Nai Department of Livestock Production and Fisheries said inspections between July 28 and August 4 found pigs at one collection facility and six pig-fattening farms in Tri An Ward, Dau Giay Ward and Hung Thinh Commune testing positive for the banned beta-agonist salbutamol.
More than 4,100 pigs have been detained while urine samples undergo quantitative testing to determine levels of salbutamol and clenbuterol. Authorities said violators would be dealt with strictly once laboratory results are available.
According to the department, pig fattening is mainly carried out by livestock traders, who buy pigs weighing around 100 kilogrammes, keep them for a short period to increase their weight and then send them for slaughter.
Some operators use salbutamol to maximise profits. While Dong Nai has thousands of pig farms, only a small number of trader-run fattening operations have been linked to the banned substance. No conventional farms have been found using it.
The department said inspections would be expanded, particularly at pig collection facilities and fattening farms, as the city prepares a broader crackdown on banned substances in livestock production.
Planned measures include tighter inspections of veterinary drugs, stricter livestock traceability and transport controls, enhanced slaughterhouse oversight, and criminal investigations where warranted.
