Sarawak bans canned pork from China

© Provided by Media Prima Virus and DNA of ASF virus was detected in one of the samples.NSTP/File pic

KUCHING: Sarawak has enforced a temporary ban on pork and pork-based products imported from countries affected by African Swine Fever (ASF), including China.

The Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) in a statement said it had conducted tests on 17 canned luncheon pork imported from China for African Swine Fever Virus and DNA of ASF virus was detected in one of the samples.

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The virus DNA detected was confirmed by the department’s Veterinary Public Health during a laboratory test using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (q-PCR), which was conducted on Friday.

"So far, there is no African Swine Fever infection in pigs has been reported in the state. The detection of the virus does not change Sarawak ASF-free status.

“Sarawak state has enforced all pork and pork products import ban from ASF-infected country, including canned pork products from China until further notice,” said the department in a statement here today.

DVSS and other agencies will conduct checks on all supermarkets and the affected products will be removed from shelves.

Products in shipment will need to undergo “hold-test-release” mechanism to ensure they are free from ASF virus contamination, it said.

To date, the department has detained 20kg of animal products at all entry points brought by travellers.

Compounds were issued due to the violation of import export conditions under the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999. - nst