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KOTA KINABALU – The African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in Sabah is inching closer to the capital here, as the state Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry today declared Penampang the 20th affected district.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan said the cases were detected on December 14 in five villages – Inobong, Sugud, and Koidupan.
“The cases involve a total of 229 backyard pigs owned by six individuals.
“The loss is estimated to be as high as RM115,000. Only pigs from farms are not affected, but they could be sent for culling.
“Any farms suspected of ASF will be barred,” he said in a statement today.
Kitingan, who is also state agriculture and fisheries minister, said Penampang has two commercial farms with an estimated 2,900 pigs.
To prevent the virus from spreading to nearby districts, the ministry will conduct awareness campaigns in Penampang through the Veterinary Services Department to ensure that the people are well-informed about ASF.
The department will also monitor and control the movement of pigs and pork products to ensure that none leave Penampang for the time being.
Since the ASF outbreak was first declared last year, 10 districts have been declared ASF-free 60 days after the last case was reported.
These districts are Kota Marudu, Pitas, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Beluran, Telupid, Tongod, Tawau, Lahad Datu, and Semporna.
“The government is aware of the people’s anxiety particularly as Chinese New Year is just around the corner. However, we remain optimistic that the pork supply in Sabah will be sufficient to meet demand,” said Kitingan. – The Vibes, January 20, 2022