KUCHING, Jan 6: The public have been advised to be careful and selective when sourcing fresh pork in the market following the sudden mass deaths of pigs in Durin and Bintangor recently.
At the same time, Dudong assemblyman Dato Sri Tiong King Sing also urged all farmers and traders to ensure that neither infected pigs nor pork products would get into the market.
Calling the public to be patient, he explained that the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sibu is currently investigating the case and collecting samples for laboratory tests.
“It has been reported that in addition to the large number of infected pigs in the three longhouses in Durin, all the pigs raised at a nearby oil palm estate have also perished.
“I am concerned that the infected pigs could have spread unknown viruses to other breeding farms.
“Therefore, I urged everyone to take this matter seriously and be cautious, while the authorities investigate and announce the results,” he said in a statement issued today.
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP, reminded farmers to take measures in preventing entrance of contagious and fatal diseases into their farms.
He trusted that the DVS will issue a clear directive to farmers on the most appropriate way to handle and manage the situation to prevent infected pork from reaching the consumers.
“At the same time, I also want to remind traders selling pigs and pork products to refrain from buying pigs from unknown sources.
“If tainted meat is allowed into the market, whether deliberately or not, it would endanger lives. We must be extremely cautious in order to prevent suspected bacteria-carrying pork from unwittingly reaching consumers which could cause an even greater health crisis,” he warned.— DayakDaily
