The highly pathogenic disease, also known as Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), has already killed 18,000 pigs this year. It is now entering the peak period of risk.

New vaccines for the disease, produced under the supervision of China's Veterinary Medicine Supervisory Institution, have been put into use and Local governments have been told that they establish immunity records for pigs.

The notice also said local authorities should increase studies on the cause of the disease and strengthen inspections and quarantine of pig delivery.

Pig breeders have been ordered not to kill, eat, sell or deliver pigs that have died from the disease and to treat the dead animals and manure from thier premises, properly according to the notice.

The notice said stricter disinfection measures should be taken on small pig farms.

Between January and May, 45,000 pigs contracted the disease, but a ministry source failed to specify what provinces and regions had reported outbreaks. Earlier reports said south China's Guangdong Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region had reported outbreaks.

The ministry has dispatched inspection teams to supervise disease control and prevention work.

The outbreaks have contributed to rising pork prices in some areas. It is believed the price hikes will help raise the country's consumer price index, or CPI, to a new high for May.

For more information on PRRS, click here.