Canned luncheon pork from China banned

Dr Adrian Susin Ambud
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KUCHING, Oct 27: The DNA of African Swine Fever (ASF) virus has been detected during random checks on canned luncheon pork from China.

Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud revealed that they had recently conducted tests on 17 canned luncheon pork imported from China for ASF virus and the DNA of the said virus was detected in one of the samples.

“The virus detected was confirmed by DVS Veterinary Public Health, in Salak Tinggi, Sepang during a laboratory test using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (q-PCR) on 25 October 2019,” Dr Adrian said in a statement, today.

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So far there is no African Swine Fever infection in pigs been reported in Sarawak.

However, he added that the detection of the virus does not change Sarawak ASF free status.

“Sarawak has enforced all pork and pork products import ban from ASF infected country including canned pork products from China until further notice.

“DVSS and other agencies will conduct check in all supermarket and affected products will be removed from shelves.

“Products in shipment will need to undergo ‘hold-test-release’ mechanism to ensure products is free from ASF virus contamination,” he said.

To date the department have detained 220kg of animal products at all entry points brought into Sarawak by travellers.

Compounds were issued due to the contradiction of import export conditions following various violation of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 at seaports.

“However, the utmost importance is the awareness of the people in Sarawak towards the measures the state has taken to protect our pig industry from the disease,” said Dr Adrian.— DayakDaily

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