S. Africa reports increase in African Swine Fever

2021-02-26 17:05:49 GMT2021-02-27 01:05:49(Beijing Time) Xinhua English

JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD) on Friday said there has been an increase in cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) this year with the latest two cases in two small-holding farms in Western Cape Province.

It said laboratory testing of samples from dead pigs confirmed that they died of ASF.

"Approximately 5 percent of pigs had died on each of the two properties and the disease has the potential to kill all pigs on a farm. A ban has been placed on the sale and movement of live pigs from Mfuleni to limit the spread of the disease," said DALRRD spokesperson Reggie Ngcobo.

He said they are carrying out a survey to determine the extent of the spread of the disease in the surrounding areas and collecting samples from any dead pigs from any suspect farm.

He called on farmers to report any sudden illnesses and deaths of their pigs to the veterinary officials to prevent the spread of the disease.

"The origin of the outbreak is still unknown but the clues may be provided by the study of the specific virus detected and by information provided by affected farmers. We recommend that farmers enclose their pigs to prevent contact with pigs of unknown health status, including wild pigs and warthogs," he said.

He said there have been outbreaks of ASF in various parts of the country including Gauteng, Free state, Limpopo and North West Provinces this year. Enditem

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