February 16, 2022

Malaysian minister urges swine farmers to intensify biosecurity measures against African swine fever

Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Malaysia's said Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development, has urged swine farmers in the Malaysian state of Sarawak to intensify their farm biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF), The Borneo Post Malaysia reported.

The measures the minister proposed include deterring visits to swine farms and prohibiting vehicles from entry that are not disinfected or properly cleaned.

He said farmers should stop swill feeding as contaminated food items cause ASF to spread.

The Sibu and Sarikei districts of Sarawak state were found to be infected with ASF on January 14, 2022.

The minister said the Department of Veterinary Services would continue monitoring all swine farms, which include clinical and serological surveillances to determine the spread of ASF in the two districts.

-      The Borneo Post Malaysia