Penang: The Penang Veterinary Services Department (JPVPP) is actively conducting investigations and further sampling at pig farms to detect African swine fever (ASF) in the state. State Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye confirmed that three farms in Kampung Selamat, Tasek Gelugor are positive for ASF, while other farms remain under investigation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, a total of 13 pig samples from slaughterhouses originating from farms in North Seberang Perai, four samples from South Seberang Perai, and one sample from Southwest were found to be positive for ASF at the slaughterhouse. The positive status of ASF will be confirmed only upon receiving test results from the farms. So far, three farms have been confirmed positive for ASF at the farm level, with further investigations ongoing.

A total of 822 pigs have been culled by JPVPP at two of the three confirmed positive farms. H’ng Mooi Lye noted that JPVPP is actively conducting further investigations and expects the number of positive farms to increase once laboratory results are received. Efforts are also underway to identify suitable disposal sites to ensure safe disposal in compliance with environmental guidelines.

ASF is not a zoonotic disease, meaning it cannot infect humans and does not endanger human health or affect food safety. This disease only affects the pig population. JPVPP is committed to continuous monitoring and collaboration with relevant agencies to curb the spread of ASF.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that the state government is identifying alternative lands for disposing of pig carcasses infected with ASF. The SPU District Office, in collaboration with JPVPP, is preparing for potential additional disposal needs. Currently, destroyed pig carcasses are being buried within farm areas as a preliminary control measure, with JPVPP authorized to conduct inspections and tests on all livestock farms.

Previously, media reports confirmed ASF infections at three pig farms in Kampung Selamat, Tasek Gelugor, based on laboratory tests by the Northern Zone Veterinary Laboratory. JPVPP director Dr. Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab reported that two of the three farms also showed high livestock mortality rates, raising concerns about the potential spread of ASF to nearby farms.