February 26, 2025

Nearly 2,000 pigs in Selangor, Malaysia, disposed to control ASF

A total of 1,868 pigs from two farms in Selangor, Malaysia, have been disposed of to control and prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF).

Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Selangor director Dr. Hassuzana Khalil said the disposed number was part of the 76,000 pigs confirmed to be infected with ASF after sampling tests were carried out on the livestock at 114 licensed farms in Sepang and Kuala Langat. She said disposal through euthanasia using high-density carbon dioxide gas before burying in plantations was agreed to be carried out on February 5.

"The first batch of pig disposal was completed on February 5, involving 668 pigs in Sepang, followed by 1,200 pigs in Kuala Langat in accordance with the Malaysian Veterinary Standing Procedure Directive (APTVM)," Dr. Hassuzana said at a press conference on February 25. "The remaining 74,000 pigs will be disposed of in stages until next March."

She added that out of the 114 existing farms, inspections and surveillance conducted found that the ASF disease index was found in 56 pig farms with uninfected livestock remaining, pig transfers are still allowed for the purpose of slaughter in licensed slaughterhouses.

Dr. Hassuzana said the Selangor DVS had also taken several other proactive measures to effectively curb the spread of ASF in accordance with the Animal Act 1953 such as tightening the conditions for the transfer of pigs in and out of Selangor.

"If the transport vehicle is found not to be on the designated route when moving the pigs, the person who moved the livestock has committed an offence and can be prosecuted in court," she said.

Dr. Hassuzana said the department had also intensified the control of the transfer of pigs and pig carcasses out of Selangor through patrols and monitoring at the state border and as a result, 37 transport vehicles were inspected, with six of them seized.

"A total of 68 pigs with an estimated weight of 9.4 metric tonnes were also seized for various offences under Section 34 and Section 36 of the Animal Act 1953 with seven investigation papers opened for prosecution purposes," she said.

- Bernama