Jakarta, IO – Health Ministry (Kemenkes) asked all breeders in Indonesia to remain vigilant following the discovery of African Swine Fever (ASF).
Kemenkes spokeswoman Siti Nadia Tarmizi said this measure is necessary after several pigs were infected in Batam, Riau Islands, in late April. Nevertheless, Nadia said ASF will not jump to humans.
“But of course we need to remain vigilant when handling sick animals,” said Nadia, reported CNNIndonesia, Wednesday (10/5).
Nadia also appealed to farm owners to always maintain cleanliness of the enclosures and wear boots and gloves. She said Kemenkes will continue to coordinate with Agriculture Ministry (Kementan) to anticipate potential outbreak.
She also asked people not to go to farms and buy meat from sick animals because the virus can survive in processed meats such as sausages and bacon. It can also survive on clothes of someone who has contact with infected pigs.
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“If there are livestock sick with ASF, especially pigs, they must be immediately separated and if they die, don’t sell them to the market,” said Nadia.
Singapore stopped importing pigs from Bulan Island, Batam on April 23 following the discovery of the disease. (un)