Authorities in Malaysia’s Penang state stepped up surveillance and biosecurity after African swine fever was detected.
More than 800 pigs were culled in Penang in July after African swine fever (ASF) was confirmed at three farms, prompting strict containment measures and heightened surveillance.
State officials said laboratory tests confirmed ASF infections at farms in three districts after traces of the virus were first detected at slaughterhouses. Investigations into additional farms continued through July, with authorities warning more cases could emerge.
By mid-July, 822 pigs had been culled at two farms, while a third remained under close observation. Movement of pigs from infected farms was banned to prevent wider spread.
The Penang Veterinary Services Department tightened inspections at farms and abattoirs and urged farmers to adopt strict biosecurity protocols, report sick or dead pigs quickly, and cooperate with containment efforts. Officials emphasized that ASF does not affect humans and that pork from healthy pigs remains safe to consume.
In a July 13 statement, Penang veterinary services director Saira Banu Reja confirmed that two farms in Kampung Selamat had recorded at least 50 pig deaths.
ASF, a viral disease with no cure or vaccine, has previously disrupted pork production in Asia. The July outbreak highlighted Malaysia’s vulnerability and the importance of rapid response to safeguard pig populations and protect the local pork supply chain.
Subscribe now to the technical pig magazine
AUTHORS
Bifet Gracia Farm & Nedap – Automated feeding in swine nurseries
The importance of Water on pig farms
Fernando Laguna Arán
Microbiota & Intestinal Barrier Integrity – Keys to Piglet Health
Alberto Morillo Alujas
Impact of Reducing Antibiotic use, the Dutch experience
Ron Bergevoet
The keys to successful Lactation in hyperprolific sows
Mercedes Sebastián Lafuente
Addressing the challenge of Management in Transition
Víctor Fernández Segundo
Dealing with the rise of Swine Dysentery
Roberto M. C. Guedes
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae – What are we dealing with?
Marcelo Gottschalk
The new era of Animal Welfare in Pig Production – Are we ready?
Antonio Velarde
Gut health in piglets – What can we do to measure and improve it?
Alberto Morillo Alujas
Interview with Cristina Massot – Animal Health in Europe after April 2021
Cristina Massot
Differential diagnosis of respiratory processes in pigs
Desirée Martín Jurado Gema Chacón Pérez
