March 1, 2021

South Africa confirms African swine fever outbreak at Western Cape region

South Africa's Western Cape region confirmed its first African swine fever (ASF) cases at two small farms following reports of ASF outbreaks in other parts of the country, according to Ivan Meyer, the Western Cape's agriculture minister, Reuters reported.

ASF outbreaks have been reported at Eastern Cape, Free States, and Gauteng provinces, according to agricultural authorities.

Meyer said they have initiated a survey to investigate the ASF spread in Mfuleni and surrounding areas, plus blood samples will be collected from selected ill swine in suspected farms.

China, the biggest pork producer in the world, recently reported new ASF variants.

- Reuters