JE: No need to destroy pig farms, says minister

There will be no need to destroy pig farms in Penang even though the Japanese Encephalitis (JE) virus is believed to be present in the state, Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.

Tests on 181 blood samples collected from 20 pig farms, were found to be negative of the virus, he said when asked whether there was a necessity to take the same action as in 1998 when about 1,700 pigs were culled after more than 100 people died from the Nipah virus.

"This virus is different from the Nipah virus which was epidemic (occasional) while the JE is endemic which means its always present, with the only difference was whether it would spread or not," he told reporters after witnessing the Handing-Over of Duties between incumbent Ministry secretary-general, Datuk Seri Mohd Hashim Abdullah and his successor, former deputy secretary general (development) Datuk Mohd Arif Ab Rahman.

Ismail Sabri said however, control and monitoring had still to be carried out not only on pig farms but on all livestock farms in Penang and the whole country.

"Although pigs are the animals most associated with this virus, the ministry does not discount the fact that it could come from other animals too," he said.

Last Wednesday, Norain Nasuha Shukri, two years five months, was confirmed to have been infected by the JE virus.

Yesterday, it was reported that the Veterinary Services Department with the cooperation of the Health Department will step up monitoring and fogging at pig farms to prevent any risk of JE spreading.