SIBU: More pig deaths reported in the past two weeks are believed to be due to African Swine Fever (ASF).
This was revealed by Sibu Rural District Councillor Teo Boon Siew to the media on Friday (Feb 18), adding that about 200 pigs from 14 longhouses in Sungai Sengan, Sungai Menyan and Sungai Salim were reported dead in the past two weeks.
He, however, explained that none of the pig farmers had reported the incidents to the Department Veterinary Services (DVS).
“I have visited the longhouses and helped them contact the department to report the incidents.
“I urge the government to take the matter more seriously and to be on the ground and see what preventive measures can be taken. Teach the longhouse residents how to prevent the deaths from happening again,” he said.
Teo also hoped the government could provide financial assistance to pig farmers who were affected because they lost their incomes
Teo also urged the longhouse residents to always report the deaths of their pigs to the Veterinary Department.
Meanwhile, the three-day culling operation began on Feb 16 and 1,400 pigs were buried at Jalan Oya after they tested positive for ASF.
The operation was expected to be completed by today.
DVS Director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, when contacted, confirmed that his department was aware of the sudden deaths of the pigs.
He said he would follow up and investigate the incidents before determining whether the death were due to ASF.
He also advised farmers to report to his department sudden deaths of pigs.
Breeders can call DVS office hotline at 016-2840918 (call or WhatsApp) if their pigs show symptoms such as fever, poor appetite, red skin, diarrhoea and vomitting.
The telephone number for the divisional offices are: Kuching at 082-628149/255, Serian (019-204 5829), Samarahan (082-671221), Sarikei (084-658129), Sri Aman (083-322106), Betong (083-471622), Sibu (084-330224), Mukah (084-871050), Bintulu (086-335770), Miri (085-411866), Limbang (085-212177) and Lawas (085-285085).
