African swine fever detected in Keningau, says Jeffrey

PETALING JAYA: African swine fever (ASF) has resurfaced in Keningau, affecting a local pig farmer’s herd, according to Sabah deputy chief minister Jeffrey Kitingan.

He said the infection was detected on Tuesday, involving 12 of the farmer’s 20 pigs, Borneo Post reported.

“The Keningau branch of the veterinary services department has disposed of the pigs and imposed movement controls on the affected farm,” he was quoted as saying.

As a result, Keningau has reverted from a green zone (recovery) to a red zone (infected).

Jeffrey, who is also state agriculture and fisheries minister, said field investigations found that the affected pigs exhibited symptoms such as reduced appetite, lethargy and nasal discharge, before they died.

He said swift control measures were implemented by the department under the Animal Enactment 2015, and farmers have been advised to strengthen biosecurity measures on their farms and pens.

“Movement restrictions on pigs and pig products from Keningau have been imposed, along with heightened surveillance across Sabah to prevent the spread of the disease.

“Farmers have also been instructed to avoid feeding pigs uncooked kitchen waste, visiting infected farms or purchasing pigs or pork from unverified sources,” he said.

Jeffrey explained that the ASF virus spreads through direct contact with infected pigs or indirectly via contaminated equipment or handlers.

“The public, especially pig farmers and farm operators, are urged to report any incidents of sick or dying pigs to the nearest veterinary services department office for immediate action,” he said.