The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received follow-up report no. 3 dated 21 March.

A total of 54459 pigs were found susceptible to the disease, out of which 18287 cases were identified. A 100 per cent apparent fatality rate was observed. The remaining 36172 animals were destroyed.

Introduction of new live animals and illegal movement of animals have been identified as the main sources of the outbreak.

According to the report, the animal health measures that are currently being applied in the field are:

• Following a regional decision, establishment of three zones: outbreak zone, protection zone and surveillance zone;
• Census of all pig farms in the outbreak zones;
• Stamping out of animals in the outbreak zones;
• Burning of carcasses;
• Disinfection of premises and contaminated material;
• Census of the animals slaughtered for farmers’ compensation.

The strategy of the Ministry of Livestock and Animal Resources for the control of African swine fever is:

• Ban on stray pigs;
• Increase awareness and communication;
• Sanitation process in the outbreak zones for a 3 to 6 months period between the implementation of the animal health measures and the restocking of the pig farms in the region;
• Farmers’ compensation;
• Strengthen surveillance along the border with Cameroon;
• Consider a regional control strategy against this disease as part of the CEMAC (Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa).

Further Reading

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Find out more information on African swine fever by clicking here.