GAUTENG. – The Gauteng department of agriculture and rural development has confirmed a total of four outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) in areas of the City of Tshwane. The first outbreak was confirmed in August in Mamelodi East, followed by three further outbreaks in Haakdoornboom, Grootvlei and Lusthof (north of Pretoria).
Two further suspected outbreaks in Lusthof are being investigated. The current infection hotspot is mainly in the north of Pretoria. Dr. Farah Abdool-Khader, chief state veterinarian for animal health in Pretoria, said in a statement the disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, but poses no risk to humans or food safety. The disease can cause a very high mortality rate and spreads through direct contact, contaminated feed, as well as contaminated clothing, vehicles and equipment.
The department has also implemented movement control. All movements of live pigs from Haakdoornboom 267 JR, Mamelodi East, Lusthof 114 JR, Grootvlei 272 JR, Vastfontein 271 JR, Bultfontein 107 JR, Rooiwal 270 JR, Waterval 273 JR, Pyramid Estate AH and Wallmansthal AH must be done with a valid movement permit from the state veterinarian. The measure is aimed at preventing the possible spread of the virus through the movement of live pigs.
Symptoms include high fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, breathing problems, red or purple discolouration of the skin, bleeding, diarrhoea, vomiting and weakness of the hind legs. Pregnant sows can also abort, while in severe cases the disease can cause sudden death.
Pig farmers who wish to report a suspected case can contact Dr. Farah Abdool-Khader, state veterinarian for the City of Tshwane, on 072 084 4339 or [email protected] contact.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
