SIBU: Durin in Sibu District, Meradong and Jalan Repok in Sarikei District are still declared as African Swine Fever (ASF) infected areas, says Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

       The Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Minister said the simultaneous declarations made on Jan 14 when samples from several pig farms in those areas were confirmed positive for ASF by laboratory testing was necessary for more effective control of the disease.

       "As of today, these declarations are still in effect and has yet to be lifted. The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) continues to monitor all the pig farms, be it a commercial farm, smallholder farm and even indigenous pigs kept in the villages and longhouses,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Feb 15).

       According to Dr Rundi, monitoring programmes include both clinical and serological surveillances to determine the spread of ASF in the two divisions.

       He also reminded all pig farmers to step up their farm biosecurity including discouraging farm visits and prohibiting entry of vehicles that are not properly cleaned and disinfected, while swill feeding using kitchen wastes should be stopped as contaminated food products including pork would often cause the spread of ASF.

       Dr Rundi said DVS had so far managed to contain the disease but he wanted all pork producers to continue their cooperation to practice strict hygiene and sanitation.- Bernama