Beware, African Swine Fever Virus Spreads In Ogan Komering Ulu

Illustration of pigs that suddenly died of ASF virus. (Photo: Antara)

Waspada, Virus African Swine Fever yang Menyerang Babi Merebak di Ogan Komering Ulu

JAKARTA - The Fisheries and Livestock Service Office of Ogan Komering Ulu, South Sumatra is trying to suppress the spread of the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus or pig disease so that it does not spread to the detriment of local breeders.

Head of the Livestock and Animal Health Division of the Fisheries and Livestock Service Office, Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU), Sugiarto in Baturaja, Friday explained that one of the efforts his party made was to provide socialization to the public about the virus.

This socialization was carried out to villages in the district to provide education to the community so that they understand the ASF virus, including how to deal with it so that it does not spread widely to residents' farms.

"This socialization follows the presence of dozens of wild boars that died suddenly in the Kedaton Penininjau Raya District and SP3 Penininjau District some time ago," he said.

He said that based on laboratory results, the wild boar that died suddenly tested positive for the ASF virus.

"We have also coordinated with the Lampung Veterinary Center to deal with the ASF virus which attacks wild boars in OKU Regency," he said.

He explained, the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus is a disease in pigs that is highly contagious and can cause death in pigs up to 100 percent, resulting in enormous economic losses.

The ASF virus, which first appeared in Medan, North Sumatra, is very resistant to living in the environment and relatively more resistant to disinfectants.

This virus is not dangerous to humans because it cannot be transmitted from animals infected with ASF, but if left untreated, it will spread to other pigs, causing death.

"This is certainly detrimental to the community, especially those who have pigs," he said.

Therefore, the first handling of pigs that die from ASF disease is to put them in bags and must be buried immediately to prevent wider transmission.

"The public is also advised not to sell pigs affected by ASF and not to consume them," he said.