PNG Authorities Probe Suspected Swine Fever After Wild Boar Deaths in East Sepik

Papua New Guinea biosecurity authorities have raised the alarm after reports of sudden wild boar deaths emerged from Nukuma village in East Sepik, triggering fears of a possible African Swine Fever outbreak.

 PNG Authorities Probe Suspected Swine Fever After Wild Boar Deaths in East Sepik [Photo: Dead wild pig /supplied]

A specialist response team from the PNG Biosecurity Authority was dispatched to the Ambunti-Drekikir District this week to assess the situation on the ground. Senior Animal Officer Martin Pauna said initial findings suggest the deaths are no longer confined to Nukuma, with further reports indicating the spread of pig mortality towards the Waskuk Hills area near Ambunti station.

Although laboratory confirmation is still awaited, officials say the symptoms and pattern of deaths closely resemble previous ASF incidents recorded in parts of the Highlands and the Bewani District in West Sepik Province.

African Swine Fever is not harmful to humans or other livestock, but it is fatal to pigs and has no known cure or vaccine. Authorities have warned that unchecked transmission could devastate both domestic and wild pig populations.

Communities in affected and surrounding areas have been advised to take immediate precautions, including limiting contact with sick or dead animals and strengthening hygiene practices while investigations continue.

The outcome of diagnostic testing will play a key role in shaping the province’s response and determining whether further containment measures are required to protect East Sepik’s pig population.

The investigation is being carried out jointly by the Provincial Division of Agriculture, the East Sepik Provincial Health Authority and the World Organisation for Animal Health, with field samples currently being collected for urgent laboratory analysis.