February 8, 2022

More African swine fever cases in South Africa

240 swine have been killed by African swine fever (ASF) in the Southern Cape, South Africa as the country's Agriculture MEC Ivan Meyer announced ASF outbreaks in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay and Thembalethu, George townships, Cape Times reported.

Meyer said Western Cape Department of Agriculture veterinary officials are assisting affected farmers and preventing the spread of the disease.

Affected areas haven quarantined, and no swine or swine products are allowed to be moved out of the quarantined areas without a permit issued by the local state veterinary office.

All swine carcasses must also be disposed of responsibly, with local municipalities providing burial sites and disinfectants.

Meyer has urged farmers to continue implementing strict biosecurity measures in their farms, which includes confining swine to prevent contact with humans and other hogs.

Meyer also said officials from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture's State Veterinary Services and the Agricultural Producers' Support and Development Programmes will be joined by the South African Pork Producers' Organisation to provide information and create awareness on ASF, biosecurity, and general swine farming questions.

-      Cape Times