Agriculture Department warns of a new outbreak of African Swine Fever in pigs in WC.

BY

SIBONELO-ZWANE

The Department of Agriculture has warned of a African Swine Fever outbreak

The Western Cape Agriculture Department has warned of a new outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF). The Department said the disease has been confirmed in livestock on the outskirts of Groeneweide Park, George.

QUARANTINE

In a statement the department explained that ASF is a virus that affects pigs and there is no vaccination or treatment currently available.

“The area has been placed under quarantine and residents are urged to not move any pigs or pork products around.It?s estimated about 45 pigs have died thus far with about 250 remaining in the area.”

Western Cape state Vetenarian Dr Leana Janse van Rensburg added, “all carcasses should be disposed of safely.Pigs should be confined to prevent roaming and potentially picking up and spreading the disease. Hands, shoes, clothing and equipment should be sanitised before and after being in contact with a pig, so people do not spread the virus between animals.”

CANNOT BE TRANSMITTED TO HUMANS

Van Rensburg said any meat products should be thoroughly cooked before being fed to pigs and farmers should confirm that any purchased pigs are bought from known ASF-free herds.

“Usually, the first signs of an ASF outbreak are the sudden death of pigs. Still, in some cases, other symptoms can include breathing difficulties, redness of the skin, especially underneath the pig and on the ears, hind leg weakness and loss of appetite. Occasionally the pig may also have blood in their faeces and their vomit.?

This is the fourth outbreak of the disease in the Garden Route area since 2022, however ,It cannot be transmitted to humans either through contact or consumption.