January 2, 2014

In a move to combat the spread of the African swine fever, pigs were slaughtered in Lusaka, Zambia and most small-scale farmers are anxious to know when Government will compensate them, Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) reports.

In order to contain the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF), the Zambian government banned the movement of pigs and processing of pig products in November to ensure that the disease does not spread to other areas.

Government promised to pay farmers ZMW300 (US$54) per pig slaughtered as a result of the outbreak. ZNFU media liaison officer Kakoma Kaleyi said despite farmers accepting to be paid a minimal amount of money for each pig, Government has not paid the affected farmers.

He said it is wrong for relevant authorities to keep farmers in the dark on issues of payments. He, however, cautioned traders against smuggling pigs into disease-cordoned areas so the ASF does not spread further.

He commended Government for putting a ban on the movement of pigs saying it will help in controlling and eradicating the disease.

Kaleyi said the fresh outbreaks in Southern Province shows that some farmers were not adhering to the ban. He urged Government to work with all stakeholders if the disease is to be eradicated.

"We expect Government to give this fight a timeframe so that the disease is eradicated. This disease has affected most farmers and the pig industry. We are calling on Government to work with ZNFU, because to thoroughly disinfect a piggery you need about three to six weeks before you can start breeding again," he said.

Recently, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Luxon Kazabu maintained that the ban is still in effect throughout the festive season. As at December 15, 2013, about 8,716 pigs on 33 farms were slaughtered and that the exercise is still on-going as there are 49 more farms that have recorded the disease.

Southern Province veterinary Officer Charles Maseka also banned transportation of pigs last week to prevent the spread of the disease following the death of 26 pigs from confirmed African swine fever in Kalomo.