TASEK GELUGOR: The African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Kampung Selamat here remains under control, despite five pig farms in the area testing positive for the disease as of last Friday.
Penang Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) director Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab said the latest case was detected at a farm after laboratory confirmation by the department.
“This brings the total number of positive cases in Kampung Selamat to five.
“However, the situation is manageable and less severe than the 2023 outbreak in Seberang Prai Selatan (SPS),” she told the New Straits Times today.
As of Aug 1, 2,060 pigs from four farms have been culled — 351 pigs died from to the infection, while 1,709 were culled to curb the spread.
Dr Saira Banu said the affected areas were under close monitoring, regular blood sampling being carried out to determine the extent of the infection.
“We cannot yet declare Kampung Selamat an ASF-free zone,” she added.
The department continues to work closely with farmers and local authorities to enforce strict biosecurity measures.
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, but poses no risk to humans.
The outbreak was first reported on July 7 by a member of the public, who observed pigs exhibiting clinical signs consistent with the disease.
The department promptly conducted inspections and collected samples at farms.
Kampung Selamat is home to 63 pig farms with an estimated 120,000 pigs.
In 2023, Penang declared the ASF outbreak a “disaster” after cases were reported in seven commercial pig farms in two districts, involving 25,000 pigs.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
