Mysterious Pig Deaths in Tabanan's Perean Village Await Lab Tests

Pig farmers in Perean Kangin Village, Baturiti Subdistrict, Tabanan have been left reeling after numerous livestock deaths, with the cause still unconfirmed as African Swine Fever (ASF) or other illnesses. Village Head I Ketut Astra of Perean Kangin confirmed on Sunday (24 May 2026) that pig deaths in the area have been ongoing for two months. From resident reports, pigs exhibited shaking after eating followed by sudden death, with some refusing food for two days. ‘This situation has persisted for two months. Many pigs in Perean Kangin have perished, though some remain unaffected,’ said Astra. He added that the incident has been reported to the Tabanan Regency Agriculture Department, with the Puskeswan conducting checks. However, no further action has been taken by the local government or relevant department to address the issue. ‘This situation has heightened farmers’ anxiety as pig deaths continue, causing significant economic losses,’ he added. Meanwhile, Dr I Gede Eka Parta Ariana, Head of the Livestock and Animal Health Division at the Tabanan Regency Agriculture Department, stressed that pig deaths were not solely due to African Swine Fever (ASF), but could also be triggered by other diseases such as swine cholera, bacterial infections, or other viruses. ‘Swine deaths are not solely caused by ASF. ASF diagnosis must be confirmed via laboratory testing. Therefore, the pig deaths in Tabanan have not been definitively diagnosed to avoid misidentification,’ he stated. Parta Ariana added that although ASF cases have emerged in Badung and Gianyar, Tabanan Regency continues preventive measures through regular precautionary advisories issued by the UPTD. These efforts focus on general livestock disease control rather than a single specific illness. Additionally, the Tabanan Agriculture Department will request disinfectant assistance from the central government via the Denpasar Veterinary Service (BBVet) to bolster preventive measures. He added that virus prevention requires strict biosecurity measures, including disinfectant spraying, pen cleaning, livestock movement monitoring, and vaccination. ‘Tabanan has not confirmed any ASF cases. If present, it would be reported to the department for laboratory follow-up,’ he concluded.