KUCHING, Oct 8 2026: The Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) has entered into a strategic partnership with the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, through an international research project aimed at strengthening efforts to understand, predict, and prevent the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Sarawak, Southeast Asia, and the United Kingdom.
The project, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) with a total allocation of £3.4 million, is one of 18 research projects announced today.
Led by Professor Peter J. Dodd from the University of Sheffield, the research also involves the University of Liverpool, the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) in Thailand, and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak.
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, though it poses no threat to human health.
However, its spread can cause mass livestock mortality, thereby resulting in significant economic and social impacts on farmers and communities reliant on the industry.
The research will focus on the genetic diversity of the virus, its evolution, and transmission patterns, while also reinforcing SIDC’s role as a regional genomics reference centre for ASF.
The study's findings are expected to support the development of SIDC’s vaccine strategies and the harmonisation of ASF control measures in the region, helping farmers, authorities, and policymakers address the threat of the disease more effectively.
Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development and chairman of the SIDC Board of Directors, Dr Annuar Rapaee said that securing the research grant demonstrates SIDC’s capability to forge strategic partnerships with international institutions in tackling the challenges posed by infectious diseases.
Meanwhile, SIDC chief executive officer, Associate Professor Ivan K.S. Yap explained that the project combines expertise in genomic sequencing, the experience of livestock farmers, and the specialized knowledge of SIDC and DVS Sarawak to generate scientific evidence aimed at protecting the livestock industry and the communities that rely on it.
This cross-border collaboration also strengthens the SIDC’s relationship with the University of Sheffield—established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in November 2024—encompassing joint research, staff and student exchanges, and capacity building in the control and prevention of infectious diseases in Borneo.
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