April 7, 2022

Pork seized at Malaysian airport tests positive for African swine fever

Pork sausage products seized from a traveller from China at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) by Malaysian customs has tested positive for African swine fever (ASF), Bernama Malaysia reported.

The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS) said the pork sausages weighed 10 kg worth MYR 350 (US$82.97; MYR 1 = US$0.24) were seized from the Chinese traveller's hand-carried luggage.

Malaysia's Veterinary Public Health Laboratory confirmed that the meat was infected with ASF.

The seized meat will be disposed according to standard operating procedures. Malaysia has banned pork imports from countries affected by ASF outbreaks, which includes prohibiting air passengers from carrying pork in hand luggages.

MAQIS said ASF is capable causing a very high mortality rate of up to 100% of domestic pigs which could cripple the domestic swine sector in a short time.

-      Bernama Malaysia