Malaysia stays nipah-free with DVS monitoring over 2,000 pig samples and controlling imports, urging farmers to report symptoms amid India outbreak

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia remains free of the Nipah virus, with the situation under continuous monitoring through preventive measures and ongoing preparedness.

The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) stated it maintains surveillance and works closely with relevant authorities to preserve the country’s Nipah-free status.

The department noted recent reports of a Nipah outbreak involving human cases in West Bengal, India.

It added that it remains vigilant to prevent any risk of the virus entering and spreading within Malaysia.

“Surveillance measures include annual monitoring of domestic and wild pigs for early detection,” the DVS statement read.

It confirmed that last year, more than 2,000 samples from domestic pigs and 48 from wild boar were tested, all returning negative results.

DVS also controls pork imports, permitting only countries certified as Nipah-free to export to Malaysia.

The Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans.

Fruit bats, known as flying foxes, are the natural reservoir, while pigs act as amplifying hosts.

Infections in pig populations increase the risk of transmission to humans and other animals.

Clinical signs in infected pigs include respiratory symptoms such as coughing and breathing difficulties.

Other symptoms are fever, loss of appetite, tremors and seizures, with infection rates on farms potentially high but mortality typically low to moderate.

DVS urged pig farmers to remain alert, particularly if farms are near orchards or have fruit trees that may attract bats.

Farmers are advised to maintain strict biosecurity measures and report any suspicious symptoms immediately.

Nipah is a notifiable disease in Malaysia, and the public has been advised not to panic.

DVS also called on the public to seek information from official sources and refrain from spreading unverified reports.

Farmers should stay informed of developments and report any clinical signs to the nearest Veterinary Services Office.

They can also use the DVS hotline at 03-8870 2041.

 The Sun Malaysia