July 6, 2020

Malaysia detects H1N1 swine flu in commercial swine and wild boar

Malaysia's Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) said it had discovered the H1N1 (SIV H1N1) virus or swine flu among commercial swine livestock and wild boars samples through the country's national surveillance programme, Bernama Malaysia reported.

However, DVS said the seropositive swine breeds do not show H1N1 symptoms and are not at risk of transmitting the virus to humans.

Malaysia's Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry (MAFI), together with and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS) and DVS have implemented measures to prevent H1N1 from entering the country. These include restrictions imposed on swine and swine products from H1N1 infected or at-risk countries, and inspections at all entry points into Malaysia.

The DVS has rolled out swine flu awareness campaigns throughout the country, and has urged swine breeders to improve their farm's biosecurity and execute preventive actions like prohibiting visits to infected swine farms.

Malaysia has 1,748,547 total swine worth MYR 5 billion (~US$1.167 billion; MYR 1 = US$0.23) bred on 614 commercial swine farms with 5,000 workers in the industry.

-      Bernama