KUCHING, Jan 18: Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak has banned the inter-divisional transporting of live pigs by land and sea routes until further notice to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) to other parts of Sarawak.
Assistant Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Michael Tiang emphasised that DVS Sarawak will continue to investigate the abnormal deaths of pigs and implement relevant measures to prevent the disease from spreading.
He gave assurance that all pork sold in Sibu markets are safe for consumption, but also advised people not to buy pork from unknown sources.
“Due to the abnormal death of live pigs in certain parts of Sarawak, I urged members of the public not to buy live pigs, pork and related products from unknown sources as well.
“I have discussed with the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting to cooperate with DVS Sarawak in ensuring pork supply in our markets is safe,” he said in a statement today.
The statement comes following the detection of ASF at several commercial pig farms in Durin, Sibu recently.
Tiang, who is also the Pelawan assemblyman, pointed out that SMC and DVS Sarawak are working together closely to ensure that only licensed farms are supplying pork to butchers.
“DVS Sarawak will continue to monitor the pig farms in Sibu as well as provide guidelines for ASF prevention which could be amended depending on the situation.
“Sarawak is affected by an ASF outbreak, and the same is happening in Peninsular Malaysia as well as other countries,” he explained.
Tiang added that he welcomed all suggestions and feedback from the public on the matter. — DayakDaily
