Pigs are an integral part of the lives of Sumbanese. In 2019 the ASF (African Swine Fever) virus began to attack and killed more than 75% of the pig population in Sumba until 2021. Over time, in mid-2022, the virus subsided and disappeared so that livestock activities are active again. The field observations revealed that pig farming activities in Sumba have returned to normal as before.

However, the situation did not last long, after 6-8 months the virus reappeared. In the mid-February 2023, there is information from the islands around Sumba about the virus attack that caused confusion and panic among the pig farmers in Sumba. This is what breeders are scared of. The pig pens that were empty for a long time have been filled with livestock, and the farmers start to get excited again, unfortunately, they have to face a re-attack of the virus blowing their hopes and dreams for pig farming.

Even the preventive efforts do not guarantee the safety of pigs, and currently, the farmers are fear because many pigs are getting sick and suddenly dying. Worse, there is no clarification on whether the pigs were dead due to the ASF virus or another virus.

For the pig farmers and breeders, it is like waiting for a disaster that is ready to strike which makes hope getting dim. They felt devastated because getting livestock is so hard and the price is too expensive after the first virus attack, and now they have to face the virus again. Of course, many breeders are desperate and reluctant to raise pigs anymore. Among pig farmers, actually, there is still hopes in the heart that the plague will pass quickly and God will help to shield the remaining pigs.

There are many preventive efforts taken to isolate the rest livestock. There is still hope, but because many experts in the field of animal husbandry say that the ASF virus does not yet have a cure, the farmers have to take for granted of the situation. Worse, the condition drove many breeders to dump pig carcasses on the streets, causing a bad smell for the surroundings. It is an overview of the life situation of pigs farming until mid-April 2023 in Sumba. Still wait a miracle. ***