KUCHING, Feb 26: Limbang has been declared an African Swine Fever (ASF) disease control area after a case was reported in the division which is in proximity to Sabah.
Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud informed that Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has signed the declaration order made under Section 35(1)(b) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance, 1999.
As such, pig farmers and the public in Limbang Division have been advised to not move live pig, pork or pork products out of and into Limbang Division without a permit from DVS.
“Refrain from feeding table scrap and swill feeding to pigs as well as bringing or purchasing online or through post any pork or pork products into and out from Limbang Division,” he said in a statement today.
At the same time, pig farmers, in particular, were also advised to report any sudden death of pig(s) and any illegal activities involving pork and pork products to the nearest DVS offices.
“Increase farm sanitisation and surrounding using a disinfectant, wash and disinfect after in contact with pig or pig products, avoid contact with wild boar or farm animals by increasing physical barrier, avoid visiting pig farms and discourage visitors to a pig farm,” he advised.
Dr Adrian also emphasised that all transporters from outside Sarawak must declare any animal or animal product in possession to the officer at the entry point entering Sarawak including the airport and seaport.
“Any pork or pork products which are moved or offered for sale or sold in contravention of this order will be seized or destroyed by the State Veterinary Authority.
“No compensation shall be payable for any pork or pork products destroyed or seized under this section. Failure to comply will result in a fine not exceeding RM1,000,” he warned.
Pig farmers in other divisions were also advised to step up vigilance and tighten the farm biosecurity and discourage visitors to their pig farms.
Pig farmers are also requested to report to the nearest DVS offices immediately if any abnormal mortality is observed in their farms.-DayakDaily
