African Swine Fever Outbreak Forces Slaughter
SOUTH AFRICA - A total of 100 pigs have been slaughtered so far in Mpumalanga after an African swine fever outbreak, a health official said on Tuesday.
2 March 2012
2 minute read
Director of animal health in the province, Dr Nomfundo Mnisi, said about half of the province was affected by the outbreak.
According to IOL News, this included Nkangala district, which stretches from the Gauteng border to Belfast, and Gert Sibande district, stretching from the Gauteng border to Badplaas.
No pigs were allowed to move in or out of the affected areas. Mnisi said 100 pigs were killed last week, with one farmer losing 50 pigs.
"We are continuing with our surveillance."
Animals infected with African swine fever had to be slaughtered to prevent the disease from spreading. The ban on pig mobility would be in place for 60 days after the last infected animal was slaughtered, Mnisi said.
She said the economic costs had not yet been calculated.
