Quarantine Check Foreign Ships Preventing Hazardous Diseases Entering Southeast Sulawesi

KENDARI - The Southeast Sulawesi Animal, Fish and Plant Quarantine Center conducted inspections of foreign ships to prevent ASF (African pig fever) and other dangerous diseases from entering Southeast Sulawesi Province.

Head of Animal, Fish and Plant Quarantine A. Azhar said the Quarantine Team carried out sudden inspections at various strategic points, one of which was foreign ships that were about to enter the Southeast Sulawesi region.

"One of the focal points of supervision is carried out on pigs and their processed products along with increasing concerns about the potential entry of the ASF virus through the circulation of animals or their derivative products that have penetrated at this time," Azhar said when contacted in Kendari, Antara, Sunday, December 22.

Prevention measures are carried out through strict examination of live pigs, pork, and their processed products that enter or leave the Southeast Sulawesi region.

"We ensure that all carrier media that want to enter the Southeast Sulawesi region have gone through the quarantine process of having quarantine documents as guarantor for the product have been checked and declared healthy and safe," he said.

Azhar revealed that his party increased supervision of commodity traffic that entered and left the Bumi Anoa area.

"This step is taken to prevent the entry and exit of HPHK, HPIK and OPTK who can enter the Southeast Sulawesi region," said Azhar.

He explained that in addition to sudden inspections, his party also activated socialization to farmers, traders, and the general public regarding the dangers of ASF and the importance of maintaining biosecurity.

The ASF disease, caused by the virus, is harmless to humans but is deadly to pigs and can cause significant economic losses.

"This virus spreads through direct contact with infected animals, contaminated goods, or through foods containing the virus," he explained.

Azhar said that until now Southeast Sulawesi is still in the safe zone from ASF, but vigilance is still increasing.

He also added that the Southeast Sulawesi Quarantine appealed to the public to immediately report if they found suspicious symptoms in pigs, such as high fever, bleeding, or sudden death, so that treatment can be carried out quickly.

"With this strict supervision, it is hoped that the spread of the ASF virus can be prevented, so that the pig farm industry in Southeast Sulawesi is maintained and contributes positively to the regional economy," added Azhar.