Monitor pig farms in light of JE cases, Dr Teo urges dept

MIRI: The Veterinary Services Department has been asked to closely monitor pig farming activities in Sarawak in light of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases in the state.

Miri MP Dr Michael Teo said the move is needed to ensure that the current JE endemic does not become epidemic.

“Recently, there was an alleged dumping of pig carcasses without proper disposal procedures at the roadside in Lambir which made the people worried as they thought the carcasses could be infected

We urge the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak to look into the lack of regulation and enforcement to ensure better protection not only to pig farmers, but also the surrounding areas.

with JE.

“In any developed nation, regulations require young breeding gilts and boars to be vaccinated to contain the endemic among farming areas. We urge the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak to look into the lack of regulation and enforcement to ensure better protection not only to pig farmers, but also the surrounding areas,” he told a press conference here yesterday.

At the same time, Dr Teo said modern pig farming should also be encouraged in Sarawak in order to have zero discharge of waste water or effluent from the farm into public waterways.

With proper accreditation and audit, he believed that the livestock industry in Sarawak can prevent future JE cases or a potential outbreak.

“My office will be monitoring the JE endemic closely and we welcome any suggestion to improve our livestock farming industry from the public through our official Facebook page.”

Dr Michael Teo, Miri MP