Malaysia remains free from the Nipah virus, with authorities closely monitoring the situation through preventive measures and ongoing preparedness.
The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) confirmed that it continues surveillance and coordinates with relevant agencies to ensure the country’s Nipah-free status is maintained. This comes after reports of a Nipah outbreak affecting humans in West Bengal, India.
DVS stated that its surveillance includes annual testing of domestic and wild pigs to detect the virus early. Last year, over 2,000 samples from domestic pigs and 48 from wild boars were tested, all of which returned negative results.
The department also regulates pork imports, allowing only certified Nipah-free countries to export to Malaysia.
The Nipah virus is transmitted from animals to humans, with fruit bats, or flying foxes, serving as natural reservoirs and pigs acting as amplifying hosts. Infection in pig populations increases the risk of transmission to humans and other animals. In pigs, symptoms may include coughing, breathing difficulties, fever, loss of appetite, tremors, and seizures, with farm infection rates high but mortality usually low to moderate.
DVS urged pig farmers to remain vigilant, especially those with farms near orchards or fruit trees that attract bats. Strict biosecurity measures should be maintained, and any unusual symptoms must be reported immediately.
As a notifiable disease, the public has been advised to remain calm and rely on verified information from official sources. Farmers are encouraged to report any clinical signs to the nearest Veterinary Services Office or contact the DVS hotline at 03-8870 2041.
