More than 20 000 pigs are in danger of being infected by African swine fever (ASF), which has spread from Zambia’s Luapula Province into the neighbouring Northern Province.

According to authorities, the disease that broke out in Luapula’s Samfya District in October has now been detected in 5 districts in Northern Province. In Luapula more than 2 000 pigs have died from the disease.

“We are appealing to members of the public to cooporate with veterinary officers as they carry out investigations. People are also advised to observe quarantine measures and report abnormal behavior of their animals,” said Northern Province Permanent Secretary Jobix Kalumba.

In Luwingu, one of the 5 districts where ASF has spread, 952 pigs have died while an estimated 5 000 pigs in the district are at risk. Veterinary officials say the total number of pigs under threat in the 5 districts was as high as 20 000.

The Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) says it was collaborating with authorities in the affected areas to sensitise communities on measures to contain the disease.

“We have field officers in the provinces and districts that have been deployed to work alongside authorities to ensure the disease was contained,’ said ZNFU Public Relations Manager, Calvin Kaleyi.

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