March 9, 2022

Swine breeders in Sarawak, Malaysia urged to improve biosecurity

Datuk Seri Stephen Rundi Utom, Malaysia's Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development, has urged swine breeders in Sarawak state, Malaysia to improve biosecurity at their farms, which includes adding facilities such as vehicle or foot dips as well as intact perimeter fences, Borneo Post Malaysia reported.

The minister's call comes as several African swine fever (ASF) cases were detected in several farms in the state.

He said breeders should control the movement of swine, vehicles, and individuals in and out of their facilities.

Dr Rundi also said farmers should not feed swine food waste or kitchen waste, or bring in new livestock of unknown health status.

He urged breeders to bring swine suspected of ASF to the nearest Veterinary Services Office.

Breeders who do not report ASF cases to the State Veterinary Authority or illegally dump swine carcasses can be charged and fined.

-      Borneo Post Malaysia