KUCHING, Nov 4: There is no African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak nor infection in pigs in Sarawak.
Clarifying the matter over a statement by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad recently, Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas disclosed there was only one sample out of 17 from canned luncheon pork imported from China which tested positive for ASF virus DNA on Oct 25 during a laboratory test using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (q-PCR).
“The detection of the virus DNA in the canned luncheon pork does not change Sarawak’s ASF-free status. Sarawak has enforced all pork and pork products import ban from ASF infected countries including canned pork products from China. Most of the affected product, brand 168, has been removed from the shelves,” Uggah revealed in a press statement today.
Uggah, who is also the Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Minister said to date, the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) has detained 220kg of animal products at all entry points brought by travelers.
Compounds were issued for the contradiction of import-export conditions with various violations of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 at seaports.
“DVSS has conducted several sessions with the stakeholders in Aug 2019 throughout Sarawak, and with multi-agency corporation regarding ASF. DVSS will strengthen its awareness campaign and regulatory measures to ensure the virus does not enter the state,” he pledged, adding that a ban on swill feeding is among the steps taken.
DVSS will continue to enforce the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 to ensure imported pork and pork products are from countries free from ASF.
All imports require import permits and smugglers will be severely dealt with under the law. — DayakDaily
