20 February 2024
Since a new outbreak of African swine fever was confirmed last week among small-scale farmers in George, Western Cape, 45 pigs have died.
According to a statement by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, an outbreak of African swine fever was confirmed on 7 February among small-scale farmers in the outskirts of Groenweide Park. The department estimates there are still about 250 pigs in that area.
“The area has been placed under quarantine. Community members are encouraged not to remove any pigs or pork products from the area to prevent the spread of the disease,” the statement says.
This is the fourth time since 2022 that an African swine fever outbreak has been confirmed in the Garden Route. Previous outbreaks were confirmed in KwaNonqaba and Mossel Bay in 2022 and 2023, respectively. An outbreak in Thembalethu in 2022 remains a concern for the department.
Landbou.com has inquired with the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation whether commercial farmers in the area are affected by the outbreak.
Dr Leana Janse van Rensburg, senior state veterinarian, says while there are two large commercial pig farms near George, they are not affected by the outbreak. “We have already contacted these farms, as well as the abattoir. They have implemented additional biosecurity measures to ensure that they remain free from African swine fever.”
There is no vaccination or treatment for African swine fever. Good biosecurity measures, according to the department, are the pig industry’s best protection against it.
The following measures are necessary to limit the spread of the disease:
- All carcasses must be removed safely.
- Pigs must be kept in enclosures to prevent them from roaming freely, becoming infected and spreading the disease.
- Hands, shoes, clothes and equipment must be washed and disinfected before and after coming into contact with pigs to prevent the disease spreading between animals.
- Any meat products must be properly cooked before being fed to pigs.
- Farmers must confirm that pigs are purchased from herds that are not infected with African swine fever.
- The first signs of African swine fever are sudden deaths among pigs. In some cases, there may be other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, redness of the skin (especially on the underside of the pig and the ears), weakness of the hind legs and a lack of appetite. Pigs may also have blood in their faeces or vomit.
Once any of these signs is observed, it should be reported to the nearest state veterinarian.
African swine fever does not affect humans or other animals. The meat of pigs slaughtered at abattoirs undergoes the necessary inspections. Pork products in stores are safe for human consumption.
