In response to the discovery of the African swine fever (ASF) virus at a licensed pig farm near the mainland China border, Hong Kong authorities have ordered the culling of approximately 5,600 pigs. The affected farm, located in Lau Fau Shan, a rural area near Yuen Long, tested positive for ASF after samples were taken from 37 pigs.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) is taking immediate measures, including cleaning and disinfecting the farm, while maintaining close surveillance on local pig farms. The department reassures the public that there is no need for concern, emphasizing that the incident will not impact the overall supply of live pigs or the operation of local slaughterhouses.
The AFCD 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, there are no reports of abnormalities from pig farms outside a 3 km zone, indicating a localized impact.
