Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab said there was a high mortality rate among the livestock at two of the farms, raising concerns about the possible spread of the disease to neighbouring farms, Bernama reported.

The three farms are among 63 pig farms, containing about 120,000 pigs, in the Kampung Selamat area of Tasek Gelugor, in Seberang Perai Utara, she said.

“Our team has been on the ground at the pig farms since yesterday to conduct checks, as well as implement control and close monitoring measures to ensure the outbreak can be contained swiftly and effectively, she said in a statement today. “So far, two of the farms have reported the deaths of 50 pigs, with many more showing ASF symptoms.”

The infected farms have been issued a notice restricting the movement of pigs to designated abattoirs to prevent the risk of the disease spreading.

She said that ASF is not contagious to humans.

Pig farmers have been urged to strengthen biosecurity measures on their farms, including preventing outsiders or unsanitised vehicles into their premises. “In addition, any sudden deaths or signs of disease among pigs should be immediately reported,” she said.