KUCHING: Limbang Division has been declared African Swine Fever (ASF) disease control area.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Minister, signed the declaration on Friday (Feb 26).
“This is because Limbang Division is close to Sabah, where a case of ASF has been reported. This order is made under Section 35 (1) (b) of The Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999,” said Department Of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud in a statement.
With the declaration, he said the public, including pig farmers in the division, were advised to refrain from feeding food waste to pigs.
The people should also refrain from moving live pigs, pork or pork products out of and into Limbang without permit from the DVS.
“Bringing or purchasing online or posting any pork or pork products into and out from Limbang Division is also prohibited.”
Dr Adrian said all pig farmers in the division should report any sudden death of pig(s) and any illegal activities involving pork and pork products to the nearest divisional veterinary office.
They are also required to:
- Increase farm sanitation and surrounding area using disinfectant;
- Wash and disinfect after in contact with pig or pig products;
- Avoid contact with wild boar or farm animals by increasing physical barrier;
- Avoid visiting pig farms and discourage visitors to pig farm.
Subsequently, Dr Adrian said all transporters from outside Sarawak were required to declare any animal or animal product in possession to the officer at any entry point into Sarawak including airport and seaport.
“Any pork or pork products which are moved or offered for sale or sold in contravention of this order, will be seized or destroyed by the State Veterinary Authority.”
He said pork or pork products destroyed or seized by the department would not be compensated.
He warned that failure by pig farmers or any individual to comply with the ruling under the declaration would result in fine not exceeding RM1,000.
Dr Adrian also advised pig farmers in other divisions to also step up vigilance, tighten farms biosecurity and discourage visitors to their pig farms.
All pig farmers were also required to immediately report to the nearest divisional Veterinary Office should there be occurrence of any abnormal mortality in their farms, he added.
