Western Cape Confirms Swine Fever Outbreak

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and the Western Cape Agriculture Department, have jointly confirmed an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the Western Cape.

The outbreak has been reported in the Western Cape for the first time.

Two small-holding farms in Mfuleni, North of Khayelitsha, were found to be positive for ASF, after laboratory testing of samples from dead pigs.

“Approximately 5% of pigs had died on each of the two properties and the disease has the potential to kill all pigs on a farm. A ban has been placed on the sale and movement of live pigs from Mfuleni, to limit the spread of the disease,” said the departments in a joint statement on Friday.

A survey has been initiated by the Western Cape Veterinary Services to determine the extent of the spread of the disease in Mfuleni and the immediate surrounding area.

This includes the collection of further samples from any dead pigs from any suspect farm.

“The origin of the outbreak is still unknown but the clues may be provided by the study of the specific virus detected and by information provided by affected farmers.”

Farmers have been requested to be vigilant and to report any sudden illnesses and deaths of their pigs to the local State Veterinary office immediately, so that swift action can be initiated to prevent the spread of the disease.

Provinces affected by ASF

Since 2019, the provinces outside the ASF controlled area affected by the disease have been Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Free State, North West, Northern Cape and the Eastern Cape.

“In 2021 thus far, there have been numerous outbreaks in Gauteng reported in the Randfontein, Tembisa and Midvaal areas. The latest outbreak in the Free State was reported in January 2021, where contact with warthog is suspected to have played a role.

“In North West, the latest ASF outbreak was reported in the Potchefstroom area in February 2021, after a smallholder experienced high pig mortalities. Investigations into the source and spread of this outbreak have been initiated. Within the ASF controlled area, a single outbreak was also reported in the Thabazimbi area of Limpopo in February 2021.”

The disease is transmitted to pigs by contact with infected wild or domestic pigs, and contact with contaminated people, vehicles, equipment or shoes, and eating contaminated food waste, feed, or garbage, or by being bitten by infected soft ticks.

The departments have urged owners to improve their biosecurity measures and to be very vigilant on good husbandry practices.

Biosecurity prevents African swine fever

Farmers can keep their pigs safe by following these recommendations:

• Enclose pigs to prevent contact with pigs of unknown health status, including wild pigs and warthogs.
• Only buy healthy pigs from a reliable source.
• Preferably, do not feed kitchen waste, but if you have no option, remove all meats and cook the kitchen waste thoroughly.
• Do not allow visitors to have contact with your pigs.
• Before having contact with pigs, wash hands, only use clean clothes, shoes, equipment and vehicles (that have not been in contact with other pigs).

No risk to humans

ASF does not affect humans said the departments adding that the consumption of pork is safe; however, any meat and products from affected pigs can be a source of infection to other pigs.

“Farmers should ensure that, if any swill is fed to pigs, it must be pre-cooked for at least an hour. This will ensure the inactivation of the ASF virus, as well as other diseases of concern.”. – SAnews.gov.za