A total of 894 pigs have died or been culled so far due to the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in an informal area of Bredasdorp in the Western Cape.
By Carien Kruger, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
The disease outbreak among pigs in Zwelitsha was officially confirmed on 13 August, after the first reported deaths on 30 July.
According to Hendrik Krohn, municipal manager of the Cape Agulhas municipality, this is the latest figure as of 29 August for pigs that have died or been culled. At that time, there were still about 123 remaining pigs in the special quarantine camp established by the municipality, but the number fluctuates due to the birth of new piglets.
Dr. Marlene Louw, executive head of the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO), states that African swine fever is a controlled and notifiable disease with specific protocols for managing an outbreak. It falls under the government’s mandate.
“SAPPO provides support in outbreaks like at Bredasdorp. This includes potential assistance, if required, to dispose of infected carcasses according to prescribed protocols.
There have been no outbreaks on commercial farms so far. The risks are controlled through effective biosecurity measures on these farms.
Louw says it is difficult to determine figures for outbreaks in informal settings, as owners often move their pigs when it becomes clear that some animals must be culled or when there are many deaths.
Also read: African swine fever outbreak confirmed in Bredasdorp
Holes in Quarantine Fence
Krohn says the National Animal Protection Association assisted in culling the pigs in Zwelitsha until 16 August, and the local animal protection association and the Animal Anti-Cruelty League are now handling the situation.
The camp will stay under quarantine until the state veterinarian decides it can be lifted.
Strict biosecurity measures are enforced in the quarantine area. It is fenced, and security personnel monitor it around the clock.
However, judging by the holes in the fence, it is suspected that pigs are being brought into the camp at night, in breach of quarantine measures. “This undermines biosecurity and makes accurate population control and tracking of deaths more complicated.”
“Measures to prevent this include daily counting of pigs, fence maintenance, marking of pigs, and 24/7 security,” he says.
Also read: African swine fever (ASF) outbreak highlights stray animal problem
Training Available
Louw says SAPPO frequently offers courses and workshops to pork producers to highlight the importance of biosecurity. The organisation has nine provincial managers dedicated to training small farmers.
The municipality met with 61 pig owners on 13 August, and another meeting is scheduled for tonight (Thursday 4 September) evening.
Krohn says the municipality assisted animal health technicians from the Department of Agriculture on-site by conducting an educational session for the owners. The nature of the virus was explained to them, including how it is transmitted and what proper personal health protocols involve.
“The farmers were informed about effective sanitation procedures when entering and leaving the camp. Pamphlets containing this information were distributed in Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa.”
Krohn says the municipality cannot compensate owners for pigs lost due to the outbreak. “The municipality encourages pig owners to organise themselves, and we will support them in obtaining help from other government bodies.”
Meanwhile, the Swellendam municipality suspected that there might also be a swine fever outbreak, but tests did not confirm it. However, the local authority issued a warning about roaming pigs: “Note that the quarantine regarding the movement of pigs in the Swellendam area has been lifted. No swine fever was found, but pig owners are still requested to apply strict health measures. The authority reserves the right to cull roaming pigs on municipal land to prevent transmissible diseases.”
