SMC closes abattoir for 60 days after ASF detected

A worker cleaning the abattoir.

Editor’s Note: The story has been updated at 9.15am on March 11, 2022. All errors are much regretted.

SIBU, March 10: The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) abattoir has been closed for 60 days starting March 9 after African Swine Fever (ASF) was detected on its premises as ordered by Department of Veterinary Service Sarawak.

SMC chairman Clarence Ting in a Facebook posting said the closure was also for the staff to clean and sanitize the whole area.

“SMC is working with Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak to comply with their requirements,” he said.

The council, he said, would do all that was necessary to reopen the abattoir as soon as possible so as farmers, butchers and consumers will not be badly affected by the closure.

“However, SMC has to ensure all the pigs slaughtered at the abattoir are healthy and hygienic to consume,” he added.

The council will also have to clean and sanitise all the butcher stalls at the wet market where even the chopping block has to be ground to remove any chance of further contamination. — DayakDaily