No New ASF Cases In Perak, Pig Farms Continue Operations

IPOH, July 22 (Bernama) -- The Perak government has confirmed that no new cases of African swine fever (ASF) have been reported since 2024, indicating that the situation remains under control despite a spike in infections in neighbouring Penang.

State Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said all pig farms in the state remain operational, noting that pork remains a vital source of protein for the country’s non-Muslim population.

“About 26 per cent of the population, roughly eight million people, rely on pork as an alternative protein source. If farms are shut down, these consumers will turn to chicken and fish, which could strain those markets,” he said.

ASF was first detected in Perak in wild boars in December 2021, followed by cases at a pig farm in Batang Padang in March 2022 and at the Multi Agriculture farm in Tronoh in October 2023.

Between 2022 and 2023, the disease affected 18 farms and 19,335 pigs. Thirteen of those farms have since resumed operations, while five were permanently closed.

In 2024, Perak produced 17.4 million kilograms of pork, enough to meet local demand despite ongoing farm restructuring. However, with continued interstate exports, the state still imports pork to meet overall consumption needs.

To modernise the sector, Sivanesan will leave for China tomorrow to study advanced pig farming practices. He added that nearly 55 per cent of applications for modern farm planning approval have been approved by local authorities and are currently being processed.

On another note, Sivanesan said Perak has recorded only one pertussis (whooping cough) case this year, a two-month-old infant who tested positive after receiving a single dose of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine.

This represents a 96.6 per cent decline from the 29 cases reported during the same period in 2024. The infant has since made a full recovery and four close contacts tested negative. No deaths have been reported.

Sivanesan urged parents to ensure their children complete the full pertussis vaccination schedule at 2, 3, 5 and 18 months to reduce infection risks.

-- BERNAMA