"(I hope) the government can guard and monitor livestock traffic, and tighten biosecurity inspections," he said here on Monday.
Although Gubernatorial Regulation No. 33 of 2005 regulates farm hog traffic, it is possible for ASF to enter Bali Island, he added.
Though ASF, which infects swine, has not been detected in Bali, he still called for ensuring biosecurity in every farmer's cage and its surroundings.
"It is mandatory for farmers to supervise livestock traffic, carrier equipment, and hog catchers," he said.
So far, there have been no reports from farmers or traders about their pigs being infected with ASF, which is generally characterized by fever and red patches around the ears, he added.
A pork and processed meat trader in Badung Market, Denpasar, Ketut Nonik (50) expressed the hope that the government would provide assistance in dealing with ASF risks.
"There is always hope that the condition will be restored quickly so that the issue does not become a problem in the market; we still hope that the government can secure (hogs) from the ASF disease," Nonik said.
He informed that he has been hearing news of ASF from farm pig traders and breeders since last week.
"Based on information from fellow pig traders and owners, until now, trade is still safe and running because the pigs in Bali have had no problems," he said.
He informed that so far, there have been no complaints from customers regarding the pork he has sourced from farmers in Payangan, Gianyar.
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Translator: Muliantari, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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