KUCHING: The Sibu Veterinary Department and Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sibu have carried the standard protocol in determining the location of pig carcass disposal and the depth of burial.
Minister of Modernised Farming and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said this was a follow-up action on the location in Sibu, where culling of pigs had caused unbearable stench, affecting the surrounding residents.
“The odours from the location will still occur if it rains heavily a few days after the disposal activity.
“Hence, addition of soil layers on the location where pigs are buried can also reduce the smell,” he said in a statement today.
The Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (DVSS), he said, has also conducted an investigation on the pig carcasses being dumped in Sungai Rait in Miri, recently.
He said 85 pig carcasses were discovered by DVSS at the site on Feb 19, which were believed to be infected with African Swine Fever (ASF).
He said the department has taken samples for laboratory testing and action would be taken against the breeders who disposed of the carcasses.
The Veterinary Services Office in Miri would ensure it does not recur.
Meanwhile, Rundi said, the authorities have been conducting active sampling operations to commercial pig farms in Miri.
To date, a total of 310 samples from eight farms were taken and sent to the Sarawak Veterinary Diagnosis Laboratory for ASF detection.
“Pig farmers in Sarawak are instructed to remain vigilant and are advised to tighten the biosecurity of their respective farms to avoid their pigs being infected,” he added.
Two days ago, Dudong assemblyman Dato Sri Tiong King Sing urged the relevant authorities to address the stench around the pig farm at Mile 17, Jalan Oya, which believed was caused by pig culling.
He has questioned if the area involved was suitable to bury the culled animals as the unpleasant smell has affected the residents in the area.
“What is the distance between the burial area and the livestock farms and the longhouse? Was the hole dug to bury the pig carcasses deep enough? Are there appropriate guidelines for handling this operation?” he asked.
Tiong said he received complaints from locals that they have been tormented by the stench around the farm.
