THE Penang Veterinary Services Department (JPV) has confirmed that four pig farms in the North Seberang Perai (SPU) district have tested positive for the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus.
Penang JPV director Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab said the situation remains under control, with no new cases reported in other districts across the state.
“The positive cases are confined to four pig farms located in Kampung Selamat, Tasek Gelugor, SPU.
“To date, a total of 1,083 pigs have been culled from two of the four affected farms. The culling process for the remaining two farms will commence tomorrow,” she said during a press conference in Kepala Batas today.
Dr Saira explained that the culling procedures strictly follow the established protocols.
“For the two farms where culling has already taken place, the disposal was carried out on-site using the farmers’ own land.
“Meanwhile, the upcoming culling operations for the other two farms will be conducted on a designated area of land approved by the state government, also located within SPU,” she explained.
She also called on all pig farmers to enhance biosecurity measures at their farms and strictly avoid transferring any sick or ASF-positive pigs to slaughterhouses.
“Such actions are not only illegal but also pose a significant risk of spreading the ASF virus to other farms and areas,” she cautioned.
She added that all pig farmers must comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the authorities to curb the spread of the ASF virus.
Dr Saira further reassured the public not to panic, as ASF is not a zoonotic disease and does not infect humans. The virus affects only pigs and wild boars.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad