Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Abdul Aziz Jamaluddin said the process would cost the government RM1.7 million.

"We would be testing the vaccines on pigs in a controlled environment to achieve the best results.

"The tests will be conducted in Perak as the state has a large number of pigs."

He said the vaccines were imported from the United States and Europe and that it would take up to six weeks to determine their effectiveness, according to New Straits Times.

"If the vaccines prove effective we would suggest to the cabinet to consider vaccinating all pigs in the country which would cost the government close to RM30 million," Dr Aziz said.

Dr Aziz said the department had inspected 79 per cent of the 776 pig farms in the country which were given the all clear.

Results to Show in Six Weeks

It would take six weeks for results to show whether the vaccine was effective in preventing pigs from contracting the virus, Dr Aziz said.

"If it is proven effective, we will present a Cabinet paper and propose vaccination for all 1.7 million pigs nationwide," he told the press yesterday.

The test would cost RM1mil, reports The Star. Vaccination for all pigs in the country as a precautionary measure would cost another RM30mil a year and the money would be worth spending if it could protect the public’s health, he said.

Dr Aziz said the department was examining all 776 pig farms in the country and almost 80 per cent of them have been cleared of the virus.

"It is sufficient to conclude that there is no influenza A (H1N1) at our pig farms," he said.

Further Reading

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