July 18, 2012

South Africa reports fresh ASF outbreak in Mpumalanga

Three fresh outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) have been reported at South African farms across Mpumalanga, according to the country’s veterinary authorities.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received follow-up report number three on July 16, Monday. Out of 954 susceptible pigs, 249 cases were identified. While 241 deaths were reported, 713 pigs were destroyed.

The outbreaks occurred outside South Africa's ASF control zone. All outbreaks belong to the same property. All affected farms were depopulated.

Illegal movement of animals has been sourced as the major cause of the outbreaks.