TO date, 23 pig farms in Penang have been affected by the African swine fever (ASF), said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

He said as of yesterday, a total of 7,998 pigs from six farms in Central Seberang Prai (CSP) and South Seberang Prai (SSP) were culled after they tested positive for ASF. 

“So far, the breakdown on ASF-affected farms is as follows – 17 farms in the SSP district involving 42,691 pigs, two farms in CSP (2,742 pigs), and in North Seberang Prai (NSP), four farms (7,842 pigs). 

“All the carcasses were buried in the SSP area, which is far from public settlements or in undeveloped locations, so as not to cause disturbance in the areas involved. 

“We are also looking for a site in NSP to bury the culled animals,” he told reporters after attending the Batu Kawan parliamentary constituency Chinese New Year open house today. 

Elaborating, Chow said the Penang Veterinary Services Department (DVS) with the help of the local authorities has been able to deal with the ASF outbreak, especially in relation to the disposal of the infected pigs at allocated sites. 

He said the Penang DVS is being assisted by two DVS teams from Putrajaya in carrying out all ASF-related tasks, including sampling and disposal of dead or infected livestock. 

“Last week, the ASF threat was stable. Although (only) two farms were newly hit, we do not rule out the possibility that the outbreak will continue to worsen,” he said 

He said there are currently 124 pig farms in Penang, housing 267,348 pigs. 

“To date, 101 pig farms have not been hit with ASF, where 35 of the farms are in SSP with a total of 97,104 animals, 60 farms in NSP (100,600 animals), two farms in CSP (5,539 animals) and four farms in Southwest (10,830 animals),” he said. 

“Once again, pig farmers and the public are reminded to immediately report any death relating to wild boar, village pigs, or commercial pigs to the Penang DVS via the Disease Crisis Management Room hotline at 04-504 1047,’’ he said. – Bernama, January 28, 2023.