GEORGE TOWN – The Penang Veterinary Services Department (DVS) has euthanised over 822 pigs from two farms affected by African Swine Fever (ASF), and additional farms will be tested for the virus, according to Local Government and Town and Country Planning executive councillor Jason H’ng Mooi Lye.
In a statement released today, H’ng said that as of July 17, 13 pig samples taken from slaughterhouses in Seberang Perai Utara, four from Seberang Perai Selatan, and one from the Southwest district on the island tested positive for the virus.
However, he said that currently, only three farms have been confirmed as infected, while additional farms are still being investigated.
“A total of 822 pigs have been culled by Penang DVS, involving two out of three farms that were confirmed positive,” said the executive councillor.
“The department is actively investigating and collecting more samples from farms in question, and the number of farms found positive is expected to increase after lab test results come in.
“Meanwhile, efforts are underway to identify proper burial grounds to ensure the culling process could be done safely and adhere to environmental regulations.”
During a press conference today, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that pig farm operators typically bury infected carcasses on their premises. However, the Seberang Perai Utara district office, along with other authorities, is actively searching for suitable land for burial when necessary.
On July 13, the Penang DVS confirmed that three pig farms in Kg Selamat, Tasek Gelugor, were affected by African Swine Fever (ASF) based on lab results from the Northern Zone Veterinary Laboratory. Two of these farms reported the deaths of 50 pigs, with additional animals showing symptoms at that time.
Its director, Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab, added that two of the affected farms had a high mortality rate among their livestock, raising concerns about the potential spread of the disease to nearby farms.
In the Kg Selamat area alone, there are 63 pig farms housing approximately 120,000 pigs. – July 21, 2025