AFCD continues culling operation at pig farm in Yuen Long after detection of African Swine Fever virus (with photos)
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The AFCD has notified the World Organisation for Animal Health of this incident. An epidemiological investigation in collaboration with Mainland and international experts is under way to prevent and control further spread of the ASF virus. Following the culling of all pigs on the farm, the AFCD will arrange thorough cleaning and disinfection of the farm.
AFCD has arranged veterinary inspections of one operating pig farm within 3 kilometres of this index farm last week and collected samples from pigs for ASF virus testing. No abnormal health condition was noted in the pigs during the inspection, and all samples have tested negative for the ASF virus. Therefore, the AFCD has resumed the relevant procedures for the farm to transport pigs to slaughterhouses for slaughter.
In view of the current ASF case, the AFCD has been liaising closely with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. The relevant departments have immediately ceased the collection of livestock wastes from the index farm, enhanced cleansing of the nearby public roads around the index farm, and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected relevant animal carcass collection points and animal carcass collection vehicles, as well as adjusted the routine animal carcass collection routes, to minimise the risk of spread of ASF. Moreover, the AFCD has conducted joint inspections and investigations at the index farm with experts and collected environmental samples for further analysis, with an aim to understand the potential cause and source of ASF infection. Advice on optimising biosecurity measures and farm management have also been provided to support the industry in further preventing and controlling ASF.
The AFCD held a meeting with licensed pig farm operators today to remind them to ensure proper implementation of good biosecurity measures and alert the Department immediately if any abnormal health condition is observed in pigs. Meanwhile, the AFCD personnel will continue to inspect all local licensed pig farms to ensure good biosecurity measures have been properly implemented. Surveillance of the activities of wild pigs in the vicinity of the index farm has also been stepped up.
Apart from the measures mentioned above, the AFCD has been maintaining close communication with Mainland and international veterinary experts and has implemented a series of preventive measures based on their advice, including:
(1) The AFCD has revised the licence conditions for pig farms, requiring local pig farms of high infection risk to properly implement biosecurity requirements specified by the Department. The AFCD will provide technical assistance to pig farms concerned to prevent and control ASF;
(2) The AFCD has invited an expert on ASF prevention and control to provide training to local pig farmers in November this year to facilitate prompt implementation and strict observation of the biosecurity measures specific to their pig farms, thereby effectively containing the spread of ASF on local pig farms on different levels;
(3) In order to strengthen the knowledge of local pig farmers about the clinical signs of ASF for early detection and reporting of abnormalities in pigs, the AFCD has launched the Guidelines for Reporting Cases of African Swine Fever to assist pig farmers in identifying suspected cases for early reporting and to take appropriate follow-up;
(4) AFCD staff have been distributing ASF rapid test kits to all local pig farms to assist them in enhancing testing; and
(5) AFCD staff are keeping close communication with pig farmers to update them on the latest situation of ASF.
The AFCD stressed that ASF is not a zoonotic disease and will not infect humans; hence, it does not present any food safety risk. Pork cooked thoroughly is safe for consumption. Members of the public do not need to be concerned. The incident does not affect the operation of local slaughterhouses nor the overall supply of live pigs.
Due to the ongoing culling operation, the AFCD will release daily updates on operational information on the departmental webpage (www.afcd.gov.hk) for public reference.
Ends/Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:05
Issued at HKT 20:05
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