Authorities said they found the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus in samples taken from a local pig farm at Sheung Shui. About 100 pigs will be culled for the sake of prudence, the government said.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said that staff inspected a licensed pig farm at Ta Kwu Ling on Saturday and took samples from 32 pigs for testing.
“Results showed that all samples tested positive for ASF virus. The AFCD has immediately suspended transportation of any pigs from the farm,” the spokesman added.
He said that the Department had immediately inspected the five pig farms within 3km of the index farm, and no abnormalities were found in the health of the pigs.
For the sake of prudence, the Department has also temporarily suspended movements of pigs on these farms and will take samples from pigs for testing to ensure no infection on the farms.
The spokesman stated that ASF is not a zoonotic disease and will not infect humans, hence does not cause any food safety risks. Pork cooked thoroughly is safe for consumption, and the present case does not affect the operation of local slaughterhouses or the overall supply of live pigs.
“Results showed that all samples tested positive for ASF virus. The AFCD has immediately suspended transportation of any pigs from the farm,” the spokesman added.
He said that the Department had immediately inspected the five pig farms within 3km of the index farm, and no abnormalities were found in the health of the pigs.
For the sake of prudence, the Department has also temporarily suspended movements of pigs on these farms and will take samples from pigs for testing to ensure no infection on the farms.
The spokesman stated that ASF is not a zoonotic disease and will not infect humans, hence does not cause any food safety risks. Pork cooked thoroughly is safe for consumption, and the present case does not affect the operation of local slaughterhouses or the overall supply of live pigs.