By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Dec 11: Following the confirmation of an African Swine Fever (ASF) positive case in Serian Division, Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVS) has swiftly implemented control measures by culling affected pigs within a five-kilometre radius.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi said this is an isolated case and there has been no reason for panic.
“DVS responded immediately by doing culling within 5km radius, at the same time alerting all PFA, in order not to cause panicking.
“We have past experiences and we have strict SOP to handle this case, and furthermore, it is an isolated case,” said Dr Rundi when contacted regarding the case.
Veterinary Services Office of Samarahan Division has issued a memorandum to inform other veterinary offices of the situation.
According to the memorandum, a positive ASF case was recently identified in Serian Division recently.
“We are deeply concerned about this matter as it has the potential to affect the pig farming industry in the Samarahan Division if not addressed immediately, especially since Serian Divison borders the Samarahan Division.
“In this regard, we request your assistance in informing the local community to avoid purchasing pork, piglets, or pig breeding stock from unknown sources and to tighten farm biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of this disease.”
“Furthermore, we also request that the public immediately report to the Veterinary Services Office of the Samarahan Division if there are any instances of sudden pig deaths or signs of ASF (African Swine Fever) in livestock, for further action,” said the memorandum. — DayakDaily
