Dr Adrian Susin Ambud
KUCHING: Sarawak has enforced ban on import of canned pork products from China after one sample from a canned luncheon pork was found with African Swine Fever (ASF) virus.
Department of Veterinary Services (DVSS) Sarawak director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud said the department had recently conducted tests on 17 canned luncheon pork imported from China for ASF virus.
“DNA virus was detected in one of the samples. The virus DNA detected was confirmed by DVS Veterinary Public Health, Salak Tinggi during a laboratory test using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (q-PCR) on Oct 25 (last Friday),” he said in a statement today.
He added the ban on all pork and pork products import ban from ASF infected country including canned pork products from China is now enforced until further notice
“DVSS and other agencies will conduct check to all supermarket and affected products will be removed from shelves. Products in shipment will need to undergo ‘hold-test-release’ mechanism to ensure products is free from ASF virus contamination,” he stressed.
He assured everyone that detection of the virus in the canned product does not change Sarawak’s ASF-free status, since there is no ASF infection has been reported in the state so far.
He also revealed that to date, DVSS has detained 220kg of animal products at all entry points brought by travelers.
“Compounds were issued due to the contradiction of import export conditions with various violation of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 at seaports.
“However, of utmost important is the awareness of the people of Sarawak towards the measure the state has taken to protect our pig industry from the disease,” he said.
ENDS