GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - African swine fever (ASF) has now spread from Mossel Bay to George.

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture confirmed an outbreak of ASF in pigs in Thembalethu.

Head of communication at the department, Mary James, says the first outbreak was confirmed on 13 January in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay.

This week James confirmed that pigs in Thembalethu are now also affected. The George Herald, sister newspaper of the Mossel Bay Advertiser, reports that the first case in Thembalethu was reported on Wednesday, 19 January.

These are the first outbreaks of this deadly disease in the Garden Route area.

Last week more than 75 pigs died in Mossel Bay. The number of pigs affected in George is not yet known.

Both areas have been placed under quarantine and community members are urged to not remove any pigs or pig products from the area in order to prevent further spread of the disease.

On Wednesday, 26 January, the Veterinary Services of the Western Cape held an urgent meeting with the affected community in George.

James says there will be more information sessions with pig farmers and community members in Mossel Bay, George and Plettenberg Bay from 7 to 9 February.

African swine fever is a virus that only affects pigs. There is currently no vaccination or treatment available for the prevention of the disease. The only ways to protect pigs are good biosecurity measures.

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