KUCHING: Pig farmers in Sarawak have been reminded to pay attention to the specified control measures to curb the African Swine Flu (ASF) disease which has spread to several pig farms in the state.
Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom called on them to improve their farm biosecurity by ensuring farms have facilities such as vehicle dip/foot dip and perimeter fences.
He added that they must also control the movement of livestock, vehicles and individuals in and out of their farms because ASF is a disease for which there is no vaccine and no treatment presently.
“Additionally, pig farmers are reminded not to give food waste or kitchen waste to pigs and to not bring in new animals whose health status is unknown.
“It is also reminded that farmers be aware of the clinical signs of ASF such as high mortality in livestock, fever, difficulty breathing, redness/bruising on the skin, loss of appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhoea, swollen joints, skin ulcers, and runny nose,” he said in his statement today, adding that if these signs are found, they should immediately contact the nearest Veterinary Services Office.
Rundi said failure to report any case of ASF infection to the State Veterinary Authority may result in a fine not exceeding RM500 under Section 32 (2) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999.
“Meanwhile, farmers found dumping pig carcasses illegally into drainage areas, water catchments or public roads can be convicted and fined not more than RM1,500 under Section 12 (2) Control of Livestock Farming Rules, 2003,” he added.
In the statement Rundi also pointed out that ASF is a disease that only affects pig farms and is not zoonotic, hence, the supply of pork available in the market is safe to eat.
