December 6, 2005

South Africa continues culling for swine fever

Culling of pigs infected with swine fever continued in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, the agriculture department said.

According to senior veterinary services director, Luba Mrwebi, the culling continued in the areas of Mthatha, Willowvale, Mqanduli and Elliotdale.

Mrwebi said 123,657 pigs have already been culled, and that there was no cause for panic as the disease has been contained in the province.

Meanwhile, authorities continued to reimburse farmers for culling their pigs, Mrwebi added.