African swine fever outbreak spreads in SA

ANOTHER case of African Swine Fever (ASF) has been reported this month in the Heilbron area of the Free State, the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry said yesterday.

“This follows outbreaks in April in North West, Mpumalanga and Gauteng provinces. All four outbreaks occurred outside of the ASF-controlled area of South Africa and have been reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health,” spokesperson Khaye Nkwanyana said.

The affected areas have been placed under quarantine and provincial veterinary services are applying disease control measures. In order to prevent the spread of ASF, the ministry has warned pig buyers to “make sure you buy pigs from reputable owners only, and insist on a health attestation”. |