KUCHING: The African Swine Fever (ASF) situation in Sarawak is under control – there are no reports of new infections.
Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said this was proof of his ministry’s effective control measures implemented by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).
“Sarawak exports 2,000 pigs every week to Singapore, and this proves that the Singapore Veterinary Services and the Singapore Food Authority (SFA) recognise the control measures that have been implemented in Sarawak,” he said in a press statement yesterday (May 6).
He said that as of April 28 last year, 17 samples were tested. Five of these samples were from pigs reared in villages confirmed positive, four of which were in Betong and one in Sibu, adding that measures were taken to decontaminate and evacuate the affected premises.
Dr Rundi said inspections on pig farms and continuous monitoring recorded 12 negative and ASF-free samples in Serian pig farms at Jalan Ensengei, Melikin and Mile 25 Siburan; Sri Aman slaughterhouse; and Rantau Panjang, Jalan Tien King, Futien, and Sungai Maaw in Sibu.
He stressed that prevention through a strict and effective biosecurity system at the farm level was important to prevent the disease from spreading further, and reminded pig farmers to improve the biosecurity of their farms as the ASF disease was highly contagious.
“Rural pig farmers are prohibited from hunting wild boar and giving uncooked swill feed surplus to pig farms.
“The movement of pigs in and out of infected areas is also prohibited,” he said.
The minister assured that meat supply for the upcoming Gawai festival was adequate, and that pork was safe as it was supplied from ASF-free farms and inspected by DVS.
