AllAfrica.com reports that the quarantine was pronounced following an outbreak of the disease in Kikokiro Village in Kasengenge Parish.

"Quarantine restrictions are imposed on Wakiso District immediately. Movement of pigs, consumption of pork, salami, ham, sausages and bacon from and within this area is prohibited with immediate effect until further notice," Dr Chris Rutebarika, the commissioner Livestock Health and Entomology in the Ministry of Agriculture said in a press release yesterday. He added that African Swine Fever is a serious disease caused by a virus and can kill herds within a short time after contracting it.

The commissioner also urged farmers to take extra care of their pigs and quickly report cases of pigs showing any symptoms of the fever such as, loss of appetite, general weakness and difficulty to move, to area veterinary officers.

Other signs include vomiting blood, diarrhea, difficulty in breathing, white pigs showing red spots on the skin and pregnant sows miscarrying.

Mr Rutebarika urged farmers to keep all pigs enclosed in pens, provide footbaths to pig pens, not feed pigs with leftovers containing pork and burning carcasses as a way to contain the disease.

Mr Sam Ssendage, a pork dealer in Katabi in Entebbe, said the ban may not be effected because pigs are slaughtered without inspection by authorities. "Which mechanisms will they put to stop people from carrying infected pigs to areas without quarantines and stopping them from slaughtering them?" he asked.