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Earlier last month in February, it was reported that there was a wild boar carcass found to be infected with the African Swine Fever (ASF).
More samples collected from the wild boar carcasses were confirmed with ASF since Feb., 2023.
17 more dead boars tested positive for African Swine Fever
According to Chang Siow Foong, Group Director of Animal and Veterinary Service at National Parks Board (NParks), the samples collected from another 17 wild boars over February tested positive for ASF.
They were mostly found in the northern region of Singapore.
Chang stated that NParks has a biosurveillance system set in place to rapidly detect animal diseases such as ASF.
Wild boars are native to Singapore, and can be found in nature reserves, parks and other green spaces.
NParks is closely monitoring the health of the wild boars in these areas.
Currently, there is no vaccine or treatment for ASF. Affected wild boars which have signs of the disease will be "euthanised on welfare grounds", and carcasses found will be disposed of, Chang added.
It is still unsure where these wild boars caught the virus from but NParks is looking into it.
What is African Swine Fever?
Chang said that ASF is a disease that only affects wild boars and pigs.
The virus is not zoonotic and will not affect humans, thus posing no risk to public health.
Public advisory
Chang urged members of the public to stay on designated trails when visiting green spaces where boars can be found.
They should observe wild boars from a distance, and not feed or get close to them.
The public is advised not to touch or pick up any sick or dead animals.
Such sightings should be reported to the Animal Response Centre at 1800 476 1600.
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Image via Wikimedia Commons.