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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has confirmed an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in pigs in KwaNonqaba, Mossel Bay.
Head of Communication, Mary James says the outbreak was confirmed on 13 January.
This is the first outbreak of this deadly disease in the area.
It is estimated that about 75 pigs have thus far died, with about 500 pigs remaining in the community.
The area has 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.
James says the Veterinary Services of the Western Cape held a workshop with the affected community and are in regular communication with the pig farming community to stop further spread.
African swine fever is a virus that only affects pigs, however, there is currently no vaccination or treatment available for the prevention of the disease, thus the only avenue available to protect pigs is good biosecurity measures.
“Carcasses should be disposed of in a safe manner, pigs should be confined in order 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 pigs, any meat products should be thoroughly cooked before being fed to pigs and pigs should only be bought from known ASF-free herds,” says James.
Clinically ASF can be seen as just finding dead pigs in the acute form, other signs 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 the faeces and bloody vomition.
Should these signs be seen, please contact your closest State Veterinary Office (George, 044 803 3771).
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