#14,585
For more than two months we've been following numerous Indonesian media reports (see here, here, and here) of unusual pig mortality (`Babi Mati') in North Sumatra - and despite growing concerns that African Swine Fever was the cause - until very recently government authorities have insisted that ASF was not involved (see `Dead pigs in North Sumatra result of Hog Cholera Virus Not ASF').
About 2 weeks ago the FAO published in their Nov 28th ASF situation in Asia update (uploaded in early Dec.), stating they were aware of a problem and were investigating:
Additional news on unusual pig deaths
Indonesia: Unconfirmed information about swine deaths continues. More than 10,351 pigs were said to have died in North Sumatra. FAO is liaising with the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services, Indonesia to confirm the cause and explore needs [reference].
In early December the Indonesian Veterinary Medical Assoc. (PDHI) and several local politicians urged the MOH to declare an ASF epidemic, and finally, on December 12 the FAO published the following notice confirming Indonesia's African Swine Fever Outbreak.
This from the FAO ASF (Dec 12th) Update.
Indonesia
The Minister of Agriculture announced the confirmation of ASF outbreak in North Sumatra Province on 12 December 2019. Since late September, increased pig mortality have been reported in North Sumatra and some other provinces. FAO is liaising with the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health Services.
The Director of Animal Health requested FAO to provide recommendations on containment and control of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the event that the disease is confirmed as present in the country. The FAO team is drafting recommendations on ASF control, appropriate to conditions in Indonesia.
Today the OIE has published their first official notification report on ASF in Indonesia, and while the details are sparse, it indicates nearly 400 outbreaks have already been reported in North Sumatra.
From the Epidemiological Comments section.
Following reports of an increase of pigs death In Several Districts in North Sumatera, a veterinary inquiry was undertaken and official tests identified the presence of African swine fever. From the investigation results, cases were reported in Dairi District and rapidly spread to 16 out of 34 Districts in North Sumatera.
Source of infection is inconclusive, however rapid risk assessment shows that transportation of live pigs from another area is and contaminated fomite from an animal handler, vehicle and animal feed play a role in this infection. Disposal of the dead pigs, cleansing and disinfection are being implemented. Updates will be provided in the weekly reports (scheduled for every Friday) as further information becomes available.Based on Indonesian media reports of large quantities of dead pigs dumped in rivers, lakes, and along roadways in the region, it would seem that ASF has already become well entrenched in North Sumatra, and it appears to be at risk of spreading to neighboring provinces.
