KUCHING, December 13 - The Ministry of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development confirmed that a case of African Swine Fever (ASF) was detected in pigs in Mongkos, Tebedu District on November 29.

Its Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom, said immediate control measures had been taken by the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (JPVS) to contain the outbreak.

He stressed that other districts in Sarawak are still free of ASF.

"Farmers are reminded to tighten their farms' biosecurity measures by providing facilities such as vehicle dip or foot dip and ensuring strong perimeter fences.

"Farmers are also reminded to control the movement of livestock, vehicles and individuals and not to feed leftover food to pigs without cooking it for 30 minutes," he said in a media statement on Thursday.

They are also asked not to bring in new animals without health certification.

Stephen stressed that the transfer of live pigs is prohibited without a permit from JPVS.

Farmers who detect signs of ASF on pigs such as high mortality, high fever or difficulty in breathing are asked to report it immediately.

In another development, he assured that the supply of pigs in Sarawak is sufficient ahead of Christmas, and the supply in the market is safe to eat.