African swine flu infects pigs in at least 14 longhouses near Sibu

MIRI – The African swine flu is spreading quickly in central Sarawak, infecting pigs in at least 14 longhouses in the outskirts of Sibu.

Sibu rural district councillor Teo Boon Siew today said the longhouse residents have informed the council that they had found pigs dying suddenly.

“About 200 pigs in at least 14 longhouses have been found dead so far. The residents did not immediately report these cases to the council.

“The council had alerted the Veterinary Department after learning about these cases. Swift measures are needed to contain the spread of the swine flu,” he told reporters after inspecting the infected farms.

Some 1,640 pigs in three farms in Sibu town were infected earlier.

Sarawak Agriculture Modernisation and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Stephen Rundi Utom issued a directive for the mass culling of these infected animals.

“There is no vaccine against the swine flu. Every infected farm must be sealed off, and all the infected animals culled. The disease can cause huge economic losses if not stopped from spreading.”

He added that the Veterinary Department has been told to step up checks in all pig farms statewide. – The Vibes, February 19, 2022