December 11, 2023

Hong Kong orders culling of over 900 swine due to ASF

Hong Kong authorities have ordered the culling of more than 900 swine after detecting African swine fever (ASF) on a licensed farm in the New Territories district, The Straits Times reported.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) revealed that out of 30 tested swine, 19 were found to have ASF. In response, the transportation of swine from the affected farm has been immediately suspended. The culling operation is scheduled to commence early next week.

In a statement, the AFCD announced that its staff would inspect eight other swine farms within a 3 km radius of the index farm. Samples from these farms will undergo ASF testing as a precautionary measure.

This marks the second instance of mass culling in Hong Kong related to ASF in recent months. In November, 5,600 swine from a licensed farm in Lau Fau Shan were culled after the detection of ASF. A subsequent case led to the culling of 1,900 swine, although it is unclear whether this was the same farm or a different one.

-      The Straits Times