November 14, 2023
ASF detected in Hong Kong, 5,600 swine to be culled
Hong Kong authorities have issued an order to cull approximately 5,600 swine after detecting African swine fever (ASF) at a licensed swine farm in the Lau Fau Shan area, near the mainland China border, Channel News Asia reported.
Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) confirmed the presence of the ASF virus after conducting tests on samples from 37 swine at the farm.
The AFCD has initiated measures to clean and disinfect the affected farm at Lau Fau Shan. Continuous surveillance of local swine farms will be maintained, and tests will be conducted as deemed necessary to prevent further outbreaks.
A spokesperson from the department assured the public that there is no need for concern and that the incident will not affect the overall supply of live swine or the operation of local slaughterhouses.
In accordance with established protocols, the department has notified the World Organisation for Animal Health and is collaborating with international experts to investigate and trace the source of the virus. As of now, no abnormalities have been reported from swine farms outside a 3km radius of the affected area.
- Channel News Asia