By William Isau
SIBU, Jan 17: Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) abattoirs will temporarily stop accepting pigs from unlicensed pig farms starting Wednesday (Jan 19).
Chairman Clarence Ting in a statement today said the council’s Public Health Committee held a discussion with the Veterinary Department which recommended that the council’s pig slaughterhouses should not accept pigs from unlicensed farms ahead of the Chinese New Year celebration.
“After deliberation we decide to temporarily stop receiving all pigs from unlicensed farm starting Wednesday January 19,” he said.
The decision comes following the detection of African Swine Fever at three backyard pig farms in Durin, Sibu.
Currently in SMC’s abattoirs, one out of every 5 pigs slaughtered are from unlicensed farms.
In the meantime, Ting added, the Veterinary Department will arrange a meeting with farmers from licensed and unlicensed farms.
“In light of the coming festive season, SMC also proposed that the Veterinary Department check the health of pigs at unlicensed farm so they (farmers) can sell them during this CNY,” he added.
Ting said SMC is committed to ensuring pigs slaughtered at the council’s abattoirs is safe for consumption.
“We ask for the cooperation of everyone involved as only through proper control can we stop this disease from overwhelming our pig farming industry by curbing the spread of the disease. — DayakDaily
