Barantan Expresses Pig From Batam Island Positive For African Babi Flu, Directly Coordinates With Singapore

Officers are taking pig samples to be examined regarding the findings of Singapore which stated that the pig from Bulan Island, Batam, was hit by African swine flu. BETWEEN ANTARA/HO-Ministry

JAKARTA - The Agricultural Quarantine Agency (Barantan) stated that pigs from Pulau Bulan, Batam, Riau Islands which are usually exported to Singapore have tested positive for African Swine Fever (ASF) or African swine flu.

"The results of further testing, both by the BUSKP Laboratory and BVet Bukittinggi are positive ASF and negative Classical Swine Fever (CSF), so it is necessary to sequence to find out the genome of the virus related to the similarity of the origin of the virus," said Head of the Animal Quarantine and Animal Safety Center, Barantan Wissa Putra, as reported by ANTARA, Saturday, May 6. Wisnu said that the Barantan and the Directorate of Animal Health of the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health had actively coordinated with Singapore, namely the Singapore Food Agency and NS Park.

The results of a joint investigation between Indonesia and Singapore concluded that the pig death was quite large on the island of the Moon, but with clinical symptoms it led to the Classical Swine Fever (CSF)/Hog Cholera.

Furthermore, the Tanjung Pinang Agricultural Quarantine took anticipatory steps in the form of ASF testing of pigs to be trafficked and tightening animal quarantine measures.

"In addition, monitoring of the importation of feed and feed materials that enter the Moon Island is a precautionary measure for the possible entry of ASF on this island," said Wisnu.

In an effort to reopen the export of pigs to Singapore, the Ministry of Agriculture has proposed an ASF-free sub-compament system on the Moon Island and has been approved by Singapore. So that in the future Indonesia can re-export pigs to Singapore.

Head of Barantan Bambang said the effort was a strategic step, considering that Pulau Bulan is the largest pig farm in Indonesia and is recorded to have contributed 15 percent of the total need for pig imports in Singapore.

"The Ministry of Agriculture will evaluate and investigate all aspects of risk management. Together with the Directorate General of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health, we are moving quickly to deploy the team," said Bambang.