Update

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The Western Cape Department of Agriculture calls on all pig owners to implement strict biosecurity to protect their livestock from African Swine Fever (ASF) and to call their nearest state veterinary office should farmers have any concerns.

This follows an outbreak earlier in February, some two weeks ago, in pigs of small farmers on the outskirts of Groeneweide Park, George. 

An urgent request by the department for farmers to stay allert was released yesterday, Sunday 18 February.

George Herald reported on the African Swine Fever outbreak last week in a herd of pigs of the small pig farmer Michael Noble, who farms behind Groeneweide Park. Noble lost a total of 43 of his pigs. 

This outbreak was confirmed by laboratory tests on 7 February. 

Noble had to deal with this setback early last week when he had to burn the carcasses of almost his entire herd.

According to Daniel Johnson, spokesperson to the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, this is the second outbreak in George, and the fourth outbreak in the Garden Route area since 2022. 

"Previously there had been outbreaks in KwaNonqaba and Mossel Bay in 2022 and 2023 which were both resolved; and an outbreak in Thembalethu in 2022 which remains a concern," said Johnson.

"It is estimated that about 45 pigs have died thus far with about 250 pigs remaining in the area. The area has been placed under quarantine and community members have been urged to not remove any pigs or pig products from the area to prevent further spread of the disease.
"ASF is a virus that affects pigs and there is no vaccination or treatment currently available for the prevention of the disease. Good biosecurity measures remain the best way to protect the pig industry."

The following measures are critical to minimise the spread

1. All carcasses should be disposed of safely;
2. Pigs should be confined to prevent roaming and potentially picking up and spreading the disease;
3. Hands, shoes, clothing and equipment should be sanitised before and after being in contact with a pig;
4. Any meat products should be thoroughly cooked before being fed to pigs;
5. Farmers should confirm that any purchased pigs are bought from known ASF-free herds.

The ASF virus is specific to pigs and does not affect humans or other species of animals. The public needs to know that pigs slaughtered at abattoirs have undergone meat inspection. Pork products found in supermarkets are safe for human consumption.

Usually, the first signs of an ASF outbreak are the sudden death of pigs. Still, in some cases, other symptoms can include breathing difficulties, redness of the skin, especially underneath the pig and on the ears, hind leg weakness and loss of appetite.

Occasionally the pig may also have blood in its faeces and its vomit. Should these signs be seen, please contact your closest state veterinary office at Elsenburg.

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