The Cape Agulhas Municipality has confirmed the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Bredasdorp.
By Michelle van der Spuy, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
Exactly two weeks after pig carcasses were discovered outside Bredasdorp in the Overberg and more than 400 pigs have since either died or been culled, African swine fever was confirmed on Wednesday.
The Cape Agulhas Municipality indicated in a public notice on 2 August that a possible outbreak of ASF among pigs from informal farmers in Zwelitsha, the informal settlement in Bredasdorp, is being investigated.
Pig carcasses were initially discovered on 30 July in and around a kraal next to this informal settlement, according to a report from the Cape Agulhas Municipality. Today the municipality has confirmed that 434 pigs have died there since then. This includes pigs that had to be culled. There are currently 330 pigs left and the kraal remains under quarantine. Only registered pig owners are allowed to feed their animals under supervision, and anyone leaving the kraal will be disinfected.
The carcasses are currently being buried in the town’s municipal landfill. The National Animal Protection Society will euthanise pigs that show signs of severe suffering.
In the meantime, veterinarians and members of the Animal Anti-Cruelty League Bredasdorp have been conducting information sessions with pig owners to confirm the diagnosis, explain how the disease spreads and what measures should be followed to maintain hygiene. Pamphlets in English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa have been distributed.
All pig farmers were invited to attend a public meeting on Wednesday evening (13 August) in the Nelson Mandela Community Hall in Bredasdorp. The meeting provided the latest information on the outbreak and biosecurity. Farmers also had the opportunity to ask questions to veterinary and municipal officials.
Also read: African swine fever (ASF) outbreak highlights stray animal problem
Movement of pigs forbidden
The municipality requests that any sick or dead pigs be reported immediately, that pigs are not moved from one place to another, that pigs from the affected area are not sold or slaughtered and that carcasses are not disposed of in open areas, rivers or garbage dumps. Pig farmers and residents of the municipality are also currently not allowed to sell or buy pigs across the district boundaries.
For more information or to report any issues, 028 425 5500 or 082 457 1774 can be called.
