CheckPapuaNow.com – The Papua Provincial Government, through the local Livestock and Plantation Service, has declared an emergency status for the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak. This decision was made following a significant increase in pig mortality from February 6 to April 5, 2024, with 156 pigs reported dead in Noloka and Ayapo villages in Sentani District, Jayapura Regency. Additionally, two pig samples in Lembata, East Nusa Tenggara, tested positive for the ASF virus.
ASF is a highly contagious and deadly disease affecting pigs, both farm-raised and wild. According to the FDA, ASF does not infect humans, but it spreads easily among pigs through direct contact with bodily fluids from infected pigs. The virus can also be transmitted through feeding pigs raw food waste that has not been properly heated, especially if the waste contains contaminated pork products.
The UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs states that the incubation period for ASF varies between 5 and 15 days. In acute cases, infected pigs exhibit a high fever of up to 40.5 degrees Celsius (104.9 degrees Fahrenheit). Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), reddening or darkening of the skin, particularly on the ears and snout, difficulty opening eyes, breathing problems, coughing, weakness, and reluctance to stand.
Effective biosecurity measures are crucial to prevent the spread of ASF. Farmers can take several steps, such as maintaining strict hygiene and controlling access to farms. Only authorized personnel should enter the farm, and they must wear clean or disposable clothing and footwear and wash their hands or shower if possible. Vehicles and equipment should be disinfected before entering the farm area. Contact with pigs from other farms should be avoided, and no pork products should be brought onto the farm. Catering waste or food scraps should not be used as pig feed.
The Papua Livestock and Plantation Service has implemented various measures to combat this outbreak. Dr. Markus Yamlean, Head of the Papua Livestock and Plantation Service, stated that they have been conducting intensive outreach to farmers about the importance of biosecurity and other preventive measures. “We continue to educate farmers to maintain cleanliness and avoid contact with other potentially infected pigs,” he said.
Additionally, the government is conducting strict monitoring and regular inspections of pigs in affected areas. “We are working with relevant parties to ensure swift and appropriate handling of reported cases,” Dr. Yamlean added.
The ASF outbreak not only affects animal health but also has a significant economic impact on farmers. Losing livestock means losing a primary source of income for many families who rely on pig farming as their main livelihood. “We are devastated by the death of our pigs. This is our source of income,” said Maria, a farmer from Sentani District.
Furthermore, the outbreak affects the pork supply in the market, potentially impacting pork prices in Papua and surrounding areas. The government is seeking solutions to support affected farmers and ensure a stable pork supply.
To prevent further spread, the central government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, is providing support by sending expert teams to assist in handling the outbreak in Papua and East Nusa Tenggara. These teams will collaborate with local services to implement control and eradication measures.
The public is urged to report any signs of illness in their pigs immediately. Active participation from the community is essential to control this outbreak. “Awareness and cooperation from the community are key in tackling the ASF outbreak,” Dr. Yamlean emphasized.
The Papua Provincial Government’s declaration of an ASF outbreak emergency highlights the seriousness of this threat to the region’s economy and livestock health. With appropriate preventive measures and cooperation from all parties, it is hoped that the outbreak can be controlled and prevented from spreading further. Farmers are encouraged to maintain cleanliness and implement strict biosecurity measures to protect their livestock from ASF infection.
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Source: Viva.
