KUCHING: The proposal to close pig slaughterhouses in Sibu and use the incineration method for pig carcasses may be costly and impractical given the large number of pigs raised, said Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
The Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Minister stated that the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (DVSS) will thus continue to use the existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for screening activities to control the spread of African Swine Flu (ASF).
In a statement on Sunday (Mar 13), he said weaning activities are carried out on two infected pig farms in Sibu which involve 764 pigs at Batu 11 Jalan Oya and Tanjung Kunyit.
“The SMC pig slaughterhouse in Sibu can only resume its operation after the sanitation, decontamination and vacating activities of the premises have been completed.
“This is according to the SOP of the Veterinary Standing Directive issued by DVS Malaysia in Putrajaya which stated that after the disposal and sanitation activities of infected premises, the premises must be left empty for 40 days before the animals are brought in,” he added.
At the same time, he emphasised that the ASF virus can be active in the environment over a long period of time.
“I hope individuals affected by this closure will be patient for a while. Pork is available from Kuching and is guaranteed to be sufficient for the demand of the locals.
“Nevertheless, we in the ministry through the DVSS will take note of all inputs and suggestions from all parties and will take appropriate measures to address this disease in the future,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rundi also extended his gratitude to the people’s representatives, individuals and all agencies who have contributed in the control of ASF disease in Sibu.
He also thanked SMC and the traders involved for successfully carrying out sanitation and decontamination work on all contaminated premises.
“This activity is necessary to ensure that the pig industry in Sarawak will continue to develop and grow if this ASF disease can be controlled and eradicated,” he said.
