Swine fever situation in Jimi unclear, says minister

By LORRAINE JIMAL
AGRICULTURE Minister Aiye Tambua says he will ask the National Agriculture Quarantine Authority (Naqa) to reassess the African swine fever situation before making clearance to move pigs.
Tambua was responding to Jimi MP Wake Goi to clarify whether the viral disease (ASF) was still present or not because officers continued to check pigs without informing the people.
“Pigs are important things which people use for bride price, settle issues and the ceremony activities,” he said.
“They have to come clear to us whether the officers can continue checking the pigs or not.”
Tambua said the sickness was still present and checks along the borders were to protect and stop the disease from spreading to other parts.
“Naqa are still doing their work and I will ask them to reassess the current situation on the ground and I will provide those answers tomorrow,” he said.
Tambua said the disease started in Southern Highlands and they were trying to protect the borders. Unfortunately, during the election period a few pigs were brought out, he said.
He said though pigs were valuable and used by many people, especially at Christmas time, he has appealed to Papua New Guineans to be patient with Naqa to re-access the situation to make it clear.