THE Malaysian Veterinary Services Department has confirmed that 16 commercial pig farms have been infected by the African swine fever (ASF) in Paya Mengkuang in Masjid Tanah, Alor Gajah.

Its director-general, Dr Norlizan Mohd Noor, in a statement, said the department has enforced the stamping-out policy to prevent the spread of ASF through the destruction of the farm-bred pigs that are confirmed ASF positive.

“The pigs were destroyed using the carbon dioxide method (high concentration) based on the guidelines of the Animal Welfare Code of Practice-Animal Disposal Management, before being properly buried,” she said.

“A total 1,864 pigs confirmed ASF positive in the Paya Mengkuang area have been culled as of yesterday.”

She said monitoring, clinical examinations and samplings of all pigs in Paya Mengkuang farms are ongoing.

She said monitoring and examination are also being conducted for all pig farms nationwide.

“Pig farmers and the public are asked to quickly report any death of wild boar, pigs or commercially reared pigs to the district veterinary services office or state veterinary services office,” she said.

“They can also call the disease crisis management room at the Veterinary Services Department’s headquarters in Putrajaya (03-88702041).” – Bernama, January 8, 2022.