July 13, 2010

African pork state culls over 10,000 pigs

Cameroon has slaughtered and burned at least 10,450 pigs during the past two weeks as part of stringent measures to fight an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF).

According to reports, the disease broke out in May in the north regional locality of Mayo Rey, on the country's eastern border with Chad and the Central African Republic.

Reports said several carcasses of pigs in advanced state of decomposition were found in the northern province where pig farming is big business.

"As at this weekend, a total of 10,450 pigs have been killed and incinerated on the orders of the North Regional Delegation of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, as well as the Divisional Officers," a local government official said.

The official added that this move is part of a struggle to stop the outbreak of the African swine fever, which is spreading in the area and could reach other parts of the country.

Local government administrators have called on pig farmers and the consuming population to be understanding in the struggle, adding that the government has promised to compensate farmers affected by the operation, according to reports.

Meanwhile, there are fears that the price of pork, beef and even fish could rise at the markets nationwide, as rumours are rife that thousands more of pigs could be destroyed.

Cameroon's daily pork consumption officially is at least 10 million tonnes, according to government figures.