The Phu Thanh Ltd Co has imported 504 red-swamp crawfish (procambarus clarkii) from the US to test-breed in Soc Trang Province, but has not received a licence to do so, reports The Viet Nam News Agency.
Tran Hoang Dung, deputy head of the Tran De District's Centre of Agriculture and Rural Development, said local farmers had informed the centre about the matter.
When asked to prove the origin of the crayfish, Phu Thanh could only present a certificate for entering Viet Nam via Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCM City.
The company could not show a licence permitting them to import or breed red swamp crayfish.
According to company reports, 10.9kg of the crawfish was imported to Soc Trang Province on July 18. They are being bred in basins in Tran De District in Soc Trang Province.
As of last Saturday, at least 472 crawfish had died. There are now 22 males and 11 females. Those still living have been inoculated by the regional animal health centre.
Authorities are currently determining if they can be bred in a natural environment.
Imported Crayfish Threaten Homegrown Shrimp
VIET NAM - Farmers and local residents are concerned that illegally imported red swamp crayfish from the US can destroy indigenous shrimp species and damage irrigation works.
