Hundreds of pigs die in Bali as new African swine fever outbreak reported in the Philippines

By Max Walden

Posted 3 Feb 2020

PHOTO: Authorities buried hundreds of pig carcasses in North Sumatra, Indonesia, after they were found floating in local waterways. (AFP: Joko)

Hundreds of pigs have been reported dead on the Indonesian island of Bali, as the Philippines confirmed a new outbreak of the deadly African swine fever.

Authorities in Bali reported 888 pig deaths in Bali as of January 31. Many of the pigs exhibited similar symptoms to the highly-contagious African swine fever (ASF) — high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.

While they have not been confirmed as cases of ASF, local producers say demand for pork has steeply declined.

"This is an extraordinary event, greatly impacting farmers and consumers," said Ketut Hari Suyasa, chairman of the Indonesian Pig Farmers Association, as quoted by local media.

Blood samples from the dead pigs were being tested to determine the cause of death, authorities said.

Indonesian officials confirmed the first outbreak of ASF in December, spurring fears that the disease could reach Australia and leading to stricter biosecurity measures.

At least 30,000 pigs have died in the province of North Sumatra, where the pig population is 1.2 million.

In Hindu-majority Bali, suckling pig known as babi guling is a local delicacy commonly enjoyed by tourists.

Unlike swine flu — also known as H1N1 — ASF does not pose a threat to human health. Nevertheless, humans can transmit the disease if their clothing and boots have been contaminated.