171 Pigs Die In Manokwari Papua, Regent Hermus Issues A Circular Letter On African Swine Fever Virus

PAPUA - The Government of Manokwari Regency, Papua has set an alert status for African swine fever (ASF), which is suspected of being the cause of the death of hundreds of pigs in the area.

The alert status is stipulated in the Circular (SE) of the Regent of Manokwari Number: 524.3/324 concerning increasing awareness of the spread of disease in pigs in the Manokwari district.

Regent Hermus Indou, in the Circular (SE), informed that the African swine fever virus or ASF has not yet found a vaccine or cure for it.

"This virus can be transmitted through direct contact, insects, clothing, livestock equipment, vehicles, and contaminated feed," said the Regent.

The Regent also appealed to breeders and sellers of pork products to increase awareness of the AFS virus by implementing a good biosecurity culture.

"Pig breeders should maintain the cleanliness of the stables, not provide leftover food to households, restaurants, ports, and hotels because they can be a medium for the transmission of the AFS virus," said the Regent.

The next appeal is to the public to report to the livestock service or field officers if they receive information that pigs are sick or have died suddenly.

The Regent also invited the community to bury the pigs that were found dead for no reason.

"In order to prevent more widespread transmission, people are prohibited from throwing the carcasses of pigs into rivers, seas, or forests around residential areas," said the Regent.

Through the Circular (SE), Regent Hermus Indou gave special attention to related technical agencies to take steps to anticipate and prevent environmental impacts.

"The heads of districts and sub-districts are reminded to actively participate in providing socialization and education to the public regarding this circular," said Hermus Indou.

Meanwhile, the Manokwari Regency's Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reports that the number of cases of pig deaths in the area has reached 171 cattle in the last two weeks.

"The latest data, as many as 171 pigs belonging to Manokwari regency residents died. It was scattered in the area of Borobudur, Padarni Village, West Manokwari District, North Manokwari District, and Warmare District," said Manokwari Regency's Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) Chief Executive Officer, Wanto.

He said that the case of the death of pigs in the area is still being monitored while waiting for the results of laboratory tests on BBVet Maros by the integrated team of West Papua province.

"It is not certain the cause of the death of these hundreds of pigs, we are still coordinating with the West Papua Province Animal Husbandry and Animal Health Service," said Wanto.