TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo said that he would beef up insulation and quarantine following the alleged outbreak of African swine fever and hog cholera in several regions. According to him, circular letters have been sent to regional heads in regencies an provinces.

“I have sent letters to governors, regents related to the issue to implement strict insulation and quarantine, and I will thoroughly monitor it,” said Syahrul when met in the Public Works and Housing Ministry office, South Jakarta, Friday, November 8.

Syahrul added that his ministry had established special teams to conduct direct control in the wake of the alleged outbreak. The teams were formed in the national level, districts, up to animal husbandries.

Previously reported, a total of 4,682 pigs across 11 cities/regencies in North Sumatra province were found dead. The animals were indicated to have been infected with both hog cholera virus and African swine fever.

The indication was obtained based on the laboratory testing on a dead pig in Medan conducted by Medan Veterinary Agency. However, it was a mere indication thus far. “Because no virus attack occurred so far, but there was an indication,” the agency head, Agustia MP, confirmed as quoted from Bisnis.

Agustia reiterated that multiple lab tests were necessary to prove the virus attack considering such viruses had never spread in Indonesia and no cure was available.

Previously, the North Sumatra Food Security and Animal Husbandry Agency recorded that hog cholera virus had infected 11 cities/regencies, viz. Dairi, Deli Serdang, Medan, Karo, Toba Samosir, North Tapanuli, Central Tapanuli, South Tapanuli, and Samosir.

DIAS PRASONGKO | BISNIS