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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