THE current stamping out policy practised by the Penang Veterinary Services Department (DVS) to control and prevent the spread of the African Swine Fever (ASF) at infected and suspected pig farms in Penang is still ongoing despite the talks of considering declaring the virus as endemic.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Federal Government and other relevant Federal and state agencies will thoroughly look at all possibilities before concluding if the virus can be declared as endemic.
“If the virus was to transition to the endemic phase, many issues will need to be addressed as well, including the slaughtering and exporting of pig carcasses to other states.
“No decision yet on this issue. Let the relevant authorities decide if this will be the most practical move at this point in time,” Chow said during a dialogue session with the pig farmers in Kampung Selamat, Tasek Gelugor today.
Meanwhile, Chow also said the state government will look into the requests by pig farmers who no longer want to operate but turn their spaces into industrial lands.
In a related development, Chow also said according to a representative in Kampung Selamat, it was learnt that although several farms there were hit with the virus, there have been no deaths (pigs) recorded following the first round of tests conducted.
“DVS agrees and understands the concerns raised by the pig farmers regarding this issue.
“Therefore, DVS has agreed to test the pigs for a second time for the satisfaction of the farmers.
“But it is hoped that the farmers will fully cooperate with DVS, especially when the pigs get tested positive, the procedures to follow must be abided without fail,” Chow added.
On another matter, Chow hoped the Federal Government will also pay heed to consider introducing an ex-gratia package for piglets that were found to be tested positive for the virus.
It was learnt that there are a total of 64 pig farms in the north Seberang Perai district, with six already hit with the virus.
Based on state DVS census data, there are 124 pig farms in Penang.
Later, Chow, who was accompanied by Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Chan Foong Hin and DVS director Dr Saira Bainu Mohamed Rejab, visited a pig farm at Kampung Selamat in Tasek Gelugor.
While on a 20-minute visit there, they were briefed by the farm’s owner before proceeding to Perkampungan Valdor in Jawi.
Story by Kevin Vimal and Edmund Lee
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat and Siew Chia En
Video by Law Suun Ting and Alissala Thian