African swine fever was officially confirmed in Indonesia a few days ago, but according to the World Organization for Animal Health there has been nearly 400 outbreaks in the southeast Asian country since the disease was suspected in early September.

According to the OIE, the first outbreak started on Sept. 4 and since then 392 outbreaks have been reported in backyard pig farms in the Sumatera Utara Province. More than 28,000 pigs have died and 1.23 million are susceptible.

Following reports of an increase in pig deaths in several districts in North Sumatera, a veterinary inquiry was undertaken and official tests identified the presence of ASF. From the investigation results, cases were reported in Dairi District and rapidly spread to 16 out of 34 districts in North Sumatera.

The source of infection is inconclusive, however rapid risk assessment shows that transportation of live pigs from another area and contaminated fomite from an animal handler, vehicle and animal feed may be playing a role in this infection. Disposal of the dead pigs, cleansing and disinfection are being implemented.

Updates will be provided weekly as further information becomes available.

Source: World Organization for Animal Health, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.