Local government committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said traces of the virus were detected at slaughterhouses, with the infected pigs traced back to farms in three districts.

“But lab tests have only confirmed ASF at three farms so far. The rest are still under investigation.

“We expect more positive cases once the results come in,” he told reporters.

H’ng said 822 pigs have been culled at two of the affected farms, while a third farm remains under close observation.

“We’ve banned the movement of pigs from affected farms to stop the spread,” he said.

He said pork from healthy pigs remains safe for consumption and the virus does not spread to humans.

“We are also stepping up checks at farms and abattoirs and will act fast to contain the outbreak,” he said.

H’ng urged farmers to report sick or dead pigs quickly and to strictly follow biosecurity protocols.

Penang veterinary services department director Dr Saira Banu Rejab said in a statement on July 13 that two farms at Kampung Selamat had recorded 50 pig deaths.