Health authorities of the Medan city administration cautioned local residents against consuming the water of Bederah River after several hundred pig carcasses were found afloat in its waters.
"Yesterday, our team members, along with the representatives of several related agencies, had checked the water of Bederah River," Head of the Medan city administration's disease control and prevention office Mutia Nimpar informed journalists in Medan on Friday.
The health of local residents was yet unaffected by the pig carcasses. However, those living near and along the riverbank are advised to not consume the river water, Nimpar stated.
Several hundred pig carcasses found floating on the Bederah River water in Medan, the capital city of North Sumatra Province, this week (ANTARA/Nur Aprilliana Br Sitorus/RN)
As part of the precautionary measures, the Medan city health office has closely coordinated with the North Sumatra provincial health office to enable them to quickly respond to any unforeseen eventuality, she noted.
Related news: North Sumatra vets indicate ASF virus infection in pig carcass
In connection with the deaths of several thousand pigs in North Sumatra Province, the local veterinarians have indicated the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) virus in addition to the infection of Hog Cholera.
"This is an indication, as until now, we have yet to find the ASF virus infection," Head of the Medan Veterinary Agency Agustia MP remarked.
Agustia explained that a battery of laboratory tests will have to be conducted to confirm the presence of ASF virus.
"The virus infection is fast and systemic. The infected pigs did not show symptoms and died all of a sudden," Agustia pointed out.
ASF is a severe viral disease afflicting domestic and wild pigs.
Unlike hog cholera or classical swine fever, there is no approved vaccine against ASF that is caused by a different virus.
ASF does not pose a risk to human health.
The Department of Agriculture and Livestock in North Sumatra earlier confirmed its discovery of 4,682 pigs having contracted hog Cholera viruses that spread to 11 regencies in the province.
The 11 regencies affected by the viral outbreak are Deliserdang, Humbang Hasundutan, Dairi, Medan, Karo, Toba Samosir, Serdang Bedagai, Tapanuli Utara, Tapanuli Tengah, Tapanuli Selatan, and Samosir.
North Sumatra Governor Edy Rahmayadi notified all district heads to overcome the epidemic by banning people from randomly dumping the infected pigs in areas.
"The virus of hog cholera is not dangerous to humans. It is only transmitted from one pig to another," Rahmayadi explained.
Related news: NTT intensifies cross border checks against African swine fever
Editor : Mahdani
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