However, the spread of the viral disease is under control and has not affected commercial pigs, it said in a statement.

The Veterinary Research Institute in Ipoh confirmed that it was a genotype 2 strain in Perak on Dec 6 and in Pahang on Dec 7.

The department added that prevention measures have been imposed to curb the spread, including restricting pig movement and improved biosecurity at commercial farms across the peninsula.

It is also conducting clinical surveillance on farms and abattoirs, as well as working closely with the wildlife and national parks department (Perhilitan), the police, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force, the Orang Asli development department, and oil palm plantation agencies.

The public and farmers are advised not to panic because African swine fever cannot be transmitted to humans.

“Swineherds have been told to increase the biosecurity on their farms to prevent the spread of the disease to commercial pigs,” the department added.

It asked for the cooperation of farmers and the public to report unusual deaths involving wild boars, village and commercial pigs to their district and state branches, or call their crisis hotline at (03) 8870 2041.