Keningau has reverted to a red zone after a new African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak was confirmed on January 7, involving a village pig farmer.

Sabah Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan said 12 out of the farmer’s 20 pigs were infected, prompting immediate action by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS).

“The affected pigs have been culled, and a movement control order on pigs and pork products from Keningau has been imposed,” he said in Kota Kinabalu, on Sunday.

Jeffrey urged pig farmers to strengthen farm biosecurity and warned against risky practices like feeding pigs untreated kitchen waste or buying livestock from unknown sources.

“This disease spreads fast, and we cannot afford another widespread outbreak,” he said.

The ministry assured the public that there is sufficient pork supply from ASF-free commercial farms in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, and Tawau for Chinese New Year celebrations.

“ASF only affects pigs and does not spread to humans. There is no need to panic,” Jeffrey said.

Keningau was previously declared an infected zone in July 2021 but had regained its recovery status before the latest case. – January 12, 2025.