Hog cholera spreads in Mimika, killing thousands of pigs

Nethy Dharma Somba, Jayapura

Classical swine fever, also known as "hog cholera", has affected thousands of domestic pigs since April in Mimika regency, Papua, killing at least 8,700.

The highly contagious virus was first detected in the villages of Kwamki Lama, Utikini, Djayanti and Kwamki Baru, but its presence was only confirmed a few months later by researchers at the Veterinary Investigation and Examination Body in Maros, South Sulawesi province.

Elias Inte, head of the provincial Animal Quarantine Office, said he regretted the spread of the virus, which affects both domestic and feral pigs.

Humans are not affected.

According to AR Puntadewa, head of the Animal Husbandry Office in Papua, the virus was spreading rapidly throughout Mimika, where at least one pig died daily.

"It is the first case in Papua. Pigs in Papua have been free of deadly viruses and other contagious diseases for years," he said.

He suspected that the virus was probably imported to Papua in November among hundreds of pigs from several regencies, especially those from Dobo and Tual in Maluku, as part of a government aid program for underprivileged Papuans.

Pigs are a vital livestock in Papua, comparable to chicken in Java.

Puntadewa said the imported pigs appeared to begin infecting local pigs soon after their arrival.

In order to prevent further spread of the virus to other regencies, Puntadewa said he had ordered the regent to stop the distribution of pigs outside Mimika.

He added that, for the time being, animal husbandry officials were helping local residents and pig breeders vaccinate pigs suspected of infection.

Infected pigs usually show acute symptoms such as fever, depression, loss of appetite and even convulsions.

Viral transmission occurs by direct contact with infected pigs or the ingestion of products from infected pigs.