Friday, February 26, 2021

Humans won't be affected by African Swine Fever, following outbreak in pigs in Mfuleni, says Agriculture MEC

African Swine Fever has been identified on two smallholder farms in Mfuleni, Eerste River.

This was confirmed by the post-mortem samples submitted to the ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute.

This as Veterinary Services of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture try to determine the cause of the pigs dying in the area over the last two weeks.

“A survey to determine the extent of the disease's spread in Mfuleni and the immediate surrounding area had already been initiated and will include the collection of blood samples from selected sick pigs from suspect farms within the affected area.” Said Western Cape’s Agriculture MEC, Dr. Ivan Meyer

The MEC announced that a ban had been placed on the sale and movement of live pigs from Mfuleni to limit the disease's spread.

“I urge pig farmers to ensure they only purchase pigs from farms with a proven clean health history.  Farmers must practise good hygiene management practices on their farms to minimise the risk of disease introduction or spread of the disease through good biosecurity measures.”

The MEC also confirmed that there is no danger of the disease infecting humans.

 

Done By: Mitchum George

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