GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - An estimated 370 pigs have died due to African swine fever (ASF) in George and Mossel Bay. But there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel as no more cases have been reported in the Southern Cape since January.

In a media statement the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture Dr Ivan Meyer said these areas nevertheless remain under quarantine and local municipalities are assisting with the disposal of carcasses and disinfection.

The first outbreaks of ASF reported in the Western Cape were in February 2021 with the most recent reports from George and Mossel Bay, where mainly small farmers and informal pig farmers were affected.

These were the first outbreaks of this deadly disease ever in this area.

"One hundred and twenty pig farmers attended last week's ASF awareness and pig information days in Mossel Bay, George and Plettenberg Bay," said Meyer.

"The sessions focused on the disease, biosecurity, and pig feeding. I urge farmers to continue to dispose of carcasses responsibly and in line with the guidelines provided by State Veterinary Services and the municipalities." 

Farmers should also continue to implement strict biosecurity to prevent the entry of the disease into their herds.

Not swine flu

ASF is not to be confused with swine flu (H1N1 virus) which causes symptoms similar to the regular flu. It originated in pigs but is spread primarily from person to person.

ASF is not transmitted to humans and there is no public health risk associated with the disease. 

However, it is not recommended to eat the meat of any clinically sick animal or animal that has died.

For further enquiries about the disease, readers can contact Dr Gininda Msiza on 084 604 6705 / e-mail: ginindaM@elsenburg.com or the state veterinarian in George, Dr Leana Janse van Rensburg, on 044 803 3771/083 797 0010 / email: LeanaJvR@elsenburg.com.

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