March 14, 2022

Sarawak state, Malaysia culls swine, closes abattoir due to African swine fever

585 swine were culled in Miri, Sarawak state, Malaysia due to African swine fever (ASF), while the state's abattoir in Sibu was ordered to be closed after the disease was detected there, Borneo Post and The Star Malaysia reported.

The culling in Miri was conducted at two commercial swine farms on March 9 and March 10. Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the swine were properly disposed and thorough sanitation was completed to ensure ASF was effectively controlled.

He urged the public to have questions on ASF to seek information from correct sources such as the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) official website or by contacting any DVSS office for clarification.

In Sibu, the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) abattoir was ordered to be closed for 60 days after ASF was detected among livestock slaughtered there.

Clarence Ting, chairman of SMC, said the closure was to clean and sanitise the area.

He said SMC is working with DVSS and complying with their requirements.

-      Borneo Post and The Star Malaysia