July 29, 2004

Persistent Swine Fever Scares Pig Farmers In Uganda
 

Thousands of domestic pigs may perish in the persistent African Swine Fever outbreak in Uganda's Kasese district.

"Despite the quarantine restrictions imposed in the area last month, we are afraid that the current outbreak may claim thousands of pigs, because many farmers are scared and are simply slaughtering their pigs even before they are attacked by the disease," said the district veterinary officer, Dr. J.K. Tumushabe recently.

He said the government had invested a lot of money into piggery in the district by supporting pig farmers. Tumushabe said the district has a registered pig population of over 4,500. Farmers have been given out 300 quality piglets.