GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Veterinary Services Department has confirmed that 30 commercial pig farms in the state have been affected by African swine fever (ASF).
In a statement on Tuesday (Feb 14), the department said 19 of them were in the South Seberang Perai district, two in Central Seberang Perai, six in North Seberang Perai, and three in South-West, bringing the total number of pigs infected by the disease in the state to 68,659.
"To control and prevent the spread of ASF, the department is implementing the stamping-out policy through the culling of pigs in infected or suspect farms in the infection zone, in accordance with the Malaysian Veterinary Protocol for ASF.
"This policy is implemented with the aim of eliminating the virus so that farmers can start breeding their animals safely again and free from ASF, ensuring a sufficient supply of pork in the country,” the statement read.
The department also said the culling of infected pigs had been carried out since Jan 5 after the first case of ASF was detected, and now, the infection rate is seen to be slowing down.
"The public is advised not to be alarmed by ASF because this disease is not a zoonotic disease and only infects pigs and wild boar,” it said. – Bernama
