SINGAPORE - A wild boar carcass found in the north-west of Singapore has tested positive for the African swine fever, said the National Parks Board (NParks).

The disease, caused by the virus of the same name, is not zoonotic, meaning it does not infect humans, and is not a risk to public health, said the board in a statement on Tuesday.

The disease infects only wild boars and pigs, and affects multiple body systems, such as the respiratory and circulatory systems.

African swine fever and swine flu are different diseases caused by different viruses. Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by an influenza virus.

NParks noted that there are no pig farms in Singapore.

It said the carcass had tested positive for the virus two days earlier, and that it has in place a biosurveillance system to quickly detect animal diseases including African swine fever.

“Wild boars are native to Singapore and can be found in our nature reserves, parks, and other green spaces. NParks is closely monitoring the health of wild boars in these areas,” it said.

It advised people to stay on designated trails when visiting such areas, observe wild boars from a distance, and not to feed or get close to them. They are also advised not to touch or pick up any sick or dead animals.

Anyone who encounters sick or dead animals should report these sightings to the Animal Response Centre on 1800-476-1600.