BEIJING, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- China has reported African swine fever outbreaks in many provinces, but the situation is generally under control, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

As the country intensified prevention and control of the disease since the first outbreak was discovered in August, all the outbreaks have been effectively addressed and quarantine has been lifted in 12 affected regions, the ministry said on its website Wednesday.

African swine fever is a highly contagious, viral disease that infects pigs. It does not affect humans or other animal species.

More than 4,000 cases of the disease have been reported in 14 other countries this year, and the massive outbreaks in neighboring countries pose a great risk of the disease crossing into China.

The situation remained grave. The ministry said it would continue to take measures to prevent the disease from spreading further, including enhancing monitoring of live pig transportation and tightened entry inspection and quarantine.