GEORGE TOWN – African swine fever (ASF) has been detected among the livestock of a pig farm in Sg Bakap in South Seberang Prai near here, and the farm has been closed to allow for the culling of over 1,000 pigs to take place.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state Veterinary Services Department was conducting preventive measures, including shutting down interstate transportation of pigs.
“The entire farm has been closed and the pigs are currently being culled and buried at the location. We want to contain and prevent it from spreading to other farms,” he said here today.
The state government had taken necessary precautions and advised pig breeders in Penang to take preventive measures after the disease hit other states two months back, he said, adding that the culling is expected to be completed by the end of this week.
ASF is not harmful to human health, but the virus can have a negative impact on pig population and the livestock industry. Currently, there is no effective vaccine against the virus. – Bernama, January 6, 2023
