Culling, disposal of infected pigs in Perak completed

 

The veterinary services department says conditions for the transport of pigs and pork products from Perak to the rest of peninsula Malaysia have been tightened. (Reuters pic)

PUTRAJAYA: The veterinary services department has completed the culling and disposal of pigs infected with African swine fever at two commercial livestock farms in Kerian, Perak.

In a statement, the department said the seizure, closure and disinfection of the two commercial farms were also underway.

“We have also conducted surveillance, clinical inspection and taken samples at the commercial pig farms in the affected area, including slaughterhouses in other states in the peninsular.

“The conditions for the transport of pigs and pork products from Perak to the rest of peninsular Malaysia have also been tightened,” it said.

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Following this, the department said, all commercial pig farms have been asked to strengthen biosecurity practices and facilities at their respective premises to curb the outbreak of the disease.

Among the steps that could be taken, it added, include ensuring the perimeter fencing was secured to prevent human and wild animal intrusion on farms, including wild boars.

“Farmers are also advised not to send pigs to the slaughterhouse if the animals show clinical signs of the disease on the farm.

“Vehicles used to transport pigs must go through the whole disinfection process, covering the outer and inner surfaces of the lorries, before entering and exiting the slaughterhouse,” it said.

It also warned the public against buying pork directly from farms or vehicles used to transport pigs, adding that there was no cause for panic because the African swine fever was a non-zoonotic disease, meaning it does not infect humans.

“So far, there are no reports or complaints of a high number of pig deaths in the Kerian district,” it said.

It urged farmers to immediately report to the department if there were mass deaths of pigs. - FMT