KUCHING, March 4: Failure to report ASF infections to the State Veterinary Authority (DVS) will incur a fine of not more than RM500 under Sarawak’s ordinance, Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom warns local breeders.
He said under Section 32 (2) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999, pig breeders who fail to report any case of ASF infection to DVS will be penalised and be fined not exceeding RM500.
In a statement today, Dr Rundi said following the outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) in several pig farms in Sarawak, breeders must control the movement of livestock, vehicles, and individuals going in and out of their farm.
He also reminded pig breeders to improve the biosecurity of their farms by ensuring it has facilities such as vehicle and foot dips and intact perimeter fences.
“Farmers are reminded not to give food waste or kitchen waste to pigs and not bring in new animals without knowing their health status.
“Breeders also need to be aware of the clinical signs of ASF such as high mortality rate in livestock, fever, breathing difficulty, redness or bruising on the skin, loss of appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhoea, swollen joints, skin ulcers, and runny nose,” he said.
Dr Rundi emphasised that if any of these signs occur, breeders should immediately contact the nearest Veterinary Service Office.
He also said breeders found dumping pig carcasses illegally into drainage areas, water catchments, or public roads can be convicted and will be fined not more than RM1,500 under Section 12 (2) Control of Livestock Farming Rules 2003.
“ASF is a swine disease with no vaccine and treatment. Therefore, breeders should pay attention to the control measures specified,” he said.
Dr Rundi also pointed out that ASF only affects pigs and is not zoonotic, which doesn’t affect humans.
“The supply of pork available in the market is safe to eat,” he assured. ― DayakDaily
