February 25, 2021

African swine fever confirmed in Sabah, Malaysia

The Sabah Veterinary Services Department (DVS) has confirmed an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in Pitas, Sabah, Malaysia, The Malay Mail reported.

Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Malaysia's Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, said wild hogs and swine in farms within a 50km radius of the affected area will be culled, and restrictions imposed on swine movement and pork sales from affected areas.

He said the government, through the DVS, will disinfect the affected areas and launch an awareness campaign to help people understand ASF.

He also said farmers may be compensated for the culling, based on rates to be determined. The culling is projected to take six months, aimed at preventing ASF from spreading to other swine farms in Sabah, such as Kota Kinabalu, Papar, Sandakan, Tawau, and Tuaran.

The minister said the discovery of ASF will not affect pork production for local consumption, estimated at MYR 300 million (~US$74.2 million; MYR 1 = US$0.25) annually.

- Reuters