African Swine Fever Hits Fourth Pig Farm in Penang, Pigs Being Culled

A fourth pig farm in Penang has tested positive for African Swine Fever (ASF), according to the Penang Veterinary Services Department (JPVPP), expanding on a previously reported outbreak involving three farms earlier this month.

Authorities say the situation remains under control, though thousands of pigs are being culled to curb the disease’s spread.

Initial Infections Detected on July 12

The initial ASF outbreak was confirmed on Saturday, July 12, when laboratory tests from the Northern Zone Veterinary Laboratory verified infections at three pig farms in Kampung Selamat.

At the time, Penang Veterinary Services Department director Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab said that two of the farms had experienced high mortality rates.

Over 50 pigs were reported dead, and many others showed symptoms consistent with ASF.

She said veterinary officers were immediately deployed to inspect the farms, implement containment procedures, and carry out close monitoring.

Photo courtesy of DVS Penang on Facebook

The affected farms are located within an area that houses approximately 63 pig farms with an estimated total of 120,000 pigs, Malay Mail reported.

Pig Movement Banned Under Animals Act Enforcement

In response to the outbreak, the department issued a Notice of Restriction and Prohibition of Animal Movement under Section 18 of the Animals Act 1953.

This restricted pig movement to only approved slaughterhouses to reduce the risk of transmission.

Fourth Farm Added to the List on July 27

On Sunday, July 27, authorities confirmed that a fourth pig farm in the same area had tested positive for ASF.

Dr Saira said the case was confirmed through ongoing laboratory testing conducted by the department.

Situation Stable, Surrounding Farms Not Affected as Monitoring Continues

Additionally, she added that investigations and sampling were continuing, but the overall situation remained stable, with no significant increase in infections beyond the affected farms.

She also noted that farms in the surrounding areas, including Seberang Perai Selatan and Barat Daya, were still free from the disease.

Over 1,000 Pigs Culled; More to Follow

Containment measures are underway, and as of July 27, 1,083 pigs had been culled at two of the infected farms. The carcasses were buried on the farms’ premises in accordance with approved veterinary guidelines.

Culling operations at the remaining two infected farms are scheduled to begin on Monday, July 28. However, preliminary inspections indicated that many pigs at those farms had already succumbed to the disease.

The total pig population across the four affected farms is estimated to be around 6,000. Authorities have yet to provide an estimate of the total economic losses, as culling operations are still ongoing.

Farmers Urged to Tighten Biosecurity

ASF poses no risk to human health but is highly contagious among pigs and can cause devastating losses to farmers due to mandatory culling and movement bans.

JPVPP has urged pig farmers to stop the practice of sharing lorries or transport vehicles, particularly when transporting pigs to slaughterhouses, as this could lead to further contamination.

The department is also continuing surveillance and testing at nearby farms and is advising farmers to report any unusual symptoms or sudden deaths among their livestock without delay.

Farmers have been reminded to tighten on-farm biosecurity, including restricting access to outsiders and ensuring that vehicles entering the premises are sanitized.

Featured images courtesy of BERNAMA, NST and DVS Penang on Facebook.