Press Releases
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AFCD steps up inspections of pig farms The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has stepped up farm inspections to minimise the risk of any Streptococcus suis outbreaks on local pig farms. Following recent inspections of the 266 local pig farms, which cover the monitoring of the health status of pigs and pig counts, the department is satisfied that there has been no unusual death. A department spokesman said today (August 3) that the enforcement of licence conditions had been strengthened to ensure that pig carcasses and pig waste were handled appropriately. "A new licence condition has been added to the farm licence under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) (Licensing of Livestock Keeping) Regulation requiring farmers to disinfect and wrap dead pigs before disposal at animal carcass collection points," he said. "We have stepped up monitoring of these collection points. Failure to comply with the new licence condition may lead to revocation of a farm licence." Pig farmers have been reminded not to dispose of live pigs at carcass collection points, the spokesman said, adding that the Government hotline 1823 had been updated so that any public enquiries about live pigs would immediately be referred to AFCD for prompt action. The department had issued letters asking farmers to observe personal hygiene and to cover any cut wounds with bandages. "If they feel unwell, they should stop working immediately, report to AFCD and consult a doctor," the spokesman said. Information leaflets on Streptococcus suis are being distributed to pig farmers and staff involved in handling live or dead pigs. The department will continue to monitor closely any outbreak of diseases or unusual increase in the mortality rate of pigs. Laboratory tests on local pigs will also be stepped up.
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