Urbanisation and the informal farming that comes with it often lead to an increase in stray animals but little or no biosecurity. This makes it difficult to control animal diseases such as African swine fever (ASF).
By Michelle van der Spuy, Senior Journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
African Farming spoke to two experts following the recent ASF outbreak in Bredasdorp. Juanita van Emmenes, senior researcher at the Agricultural Research Council, and Mary-Louise Penrith, extraordinary professor at the University of Pretoria, say South Africa currently faces two cross-border pig diseases that are extremely difficult to manage: foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and ASF.
The only major outbreak of FMD in pigs in South Africa occurred in KwaZulu-Natal in 2000, they say. It was caused by an imported virus strain from Asia, unrelated to the FMD strains that usually circulate in Southern Africa and that mainly affect cattle. The most recent outbreak was on a single farm where pigs had been fed milk from cattle with FMD-induced mastitis.
ASF, on the other hand, has become widespread. Since 2019, outbreaks have been reported in every province, mostly among smallholder farmers’ pigs.
For decades, ASF was confined to a designated disease-control area established in 1935, with only occasional spillover to nearby farms. But in 2012, a major outbreak occurred outside that zone, and since 2016 outbreaks have occurred countrywide – posing a growing threat to the pork industry at every level.
Also read: Nearly 900 pigs die due to African swine fever (ASF) in Bredasdorp
Informal Pig Farming in South Africa
Poorer households in South Africa often keep pigs. The Eastern Cape has a long tradition of free-range and scavenging pigs, Van Emmenes and Penrith say. This practice has historical and cultural roots but also provides income and a safety net in times of need. With growing urbanisation, backyard and free-range pig farming has spread across the country as a survival strategy. These farmers typically keep between one and ten pigs.
Farming practices vary depending on resources. Pigs may be confined, semi-confined or allowed to roam freely on communal land. Veterinary care is usually provided by extension officers or community-based animal health workers, when available.
Pigs may be penned at night, or left to roam. Where they are confined at night to protect them from theft or predators, they are usually fed crop residues in rural areas and leftover food in urban areas.
Scavenging pigs will eat anything they find, including rubbish. This increases the risk of ASF during outbreaks, as healthy pigs may come into contact with infected animals or scavenge rubbish containing contaminated waste.
In contrast, confined pigs are at lower risk, provided they are properly fed, watered and kept clean. However, they are often given waste from farms, factories or catering services, which can contain raw or undercooked pork scraps. This too poses a danger if the pork is contaminated.
ASF is highly contagious. A pig that eats raw meat carrying the virus will become infected.
Also read: African swine fever (ASF) outbreak highlights stray animal problem
Disease Pressures in Informal Farming
Scavenging pigs face other health risks beyond ASF.
Porcine cysticercosis, also known as pork tapeworm, is common where sanitation is poor or absent. In humans, neurocysticercosis is the leading cause of epilepsy in Africa, and it has long been a major concern in the Eastern Cape, Van Emmenes and Penrith say.
In free-range systems, it is common practice to sell sick or dead pigs, or to “force-sell” pigs during an outbreak to avoid total losses. Some farmers try to access higher-paying markets, but profits are usually low because they live far from formal abattoirs and usually have only a few pigs to sell.
Also read: Biosecurity measures: You cannot be careful enough
The researchers note that there is a general lack of biosecurity in informal farming in rural and peri-urban areas. Basic measures – such as keeping pigs confined, ensuring safe transport, and preventing contact with potentially contaminated people, pigs or products – can reduce outbreaks, but these measures require some investment.
Engaging with pig farmers is essential to identify which biosecurity practices are feasible, affordable and culturally acceptable in order to improve disease management in general and ASF control in particular, Van Emmenes and Penrith say.
Also read: Minister Steenhuisen outlines bold vision at National Biosecurity Summit
The Need for Coordinated Action
The Department of Agriculture is responsible for leading ASF control efforts, with its veterinary services playing a central role. But managing ASF is complex, and requires a comprehensive strategy and the involvement of multiple sectors, including social services, the commercial and non-commercial pig industry, and authorities at national, provincial and local levels, the researchers say.
Understanding the size and spread of the informal pig sector is critical for surveillance and outreach, but this is a challenge because of the “dynamic nature of the sector”. What is known is that the number of households keeping pigs doubled between 2011 and 2016. Veterinary services play a vital role in surveillance, but they cannot control ASF on their own.
Also read: How socio-economic factors affect biosecurity
ASF is not only a veterinary issue but is also shaped by socio-economic realities. Collaboration across sectors is essential, and government needs to support it.
The pig industry can help by promoting culturally appropriate pig-farming practices, strengthening biosecurity on commercial farms, and working with government and other stakeholders to curb the spread of the disease. They can also engage with smallholder farmers in their communities, especially in informal settlements.
Biosecurity in the agricultural sector in general has to be strengthened. And waste management must become more efficient, ensuring that contaminated materials are properly destroyed to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
