BEIJING — China’s agriculture authority reported a falling number of African swine fever cases and vowed to continue to take preventive measures on Feb 1.

By Feb 1, 92 infected areas in 23 provinces have been unlocked. Seventeen provinces including Henan, Liaoning, Zhejiang and Anhui have been freed from the epidemic with all of the infected zones unblocked, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

The epidemic has shown signs of abating since December 2018. Five cases were reported in January 2019. However, the ministry cautioned that the prevention work remains grim since the existing situation will linger for a period of time.

The ministry urged more preventive efforts and set up a coordinated mechanism. Adequate pork supply and stable pork prices should be ensured especially during the Spring Festival holiday.

Meanwhile, more scientific research resources should be used to accelerate the research of relevant vaccines and diagnostic reagents.