SHEEMA, January 10, 2025 – Authorities in Sheema district have temporarily suspended pig slaughter and pork product sales following an outbreak of African Swine Fever [ASF] in the area.
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild pigs, leading to haemorrhagic fever. The disease spreads through a cycle involving soft ticks and direct contact with infected pigs.
Dr Joseph Amanya, the District Veterinary Officer for Sheema, reported that cases of swine fever had been detected in Nyakashambya Cell within Sheema Municipality. Out of 20 infected pigs, five have died so far, prompting the district to enforce a quarantine to prevent further spread of the disease.
“We have received approval from the district security committee and the Chief Administrative Officer to halt the slaughter and movement of pigs and their products in and out of the affected areas,” Dr Amanya confirmed.
According to Dr Amanya, pigs infected with ASF exhibit symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, red spots on the skin, and vomiting blood. He urged pig farmers to report any such symptoms to the relevant authorities within three days.
ASF, while deadly to pigs with a mortality rate of up to 100 percent, does not pose a threat to human health. Dr Amanya emphasised, “The virus cannot be transmitted to humans. However, it is a significant trans-boundary animal disease with severe economic consequences, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and there is currently no cure or vaccine.”
To limit the spread of ASF to neighbouring districts, authorities have imposed restrictions on the movement of pigs and pork products, as well as the sale of meat, particularly in the evenings around town.
“We are encouraging local farmers to adopt modern pig farming practices, ensuring certified breeding, proper feed production, and effective fattening,” Dr Amanya added.
Sam Orikunda, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Sheema, stated that the district is focusing on raising awareness among local leaders and stakeholders to ensure full compliance with the safety measures implemented by the district production team. “We aim to achieve maximum cooperation in containing the disease and eradicating ASF from Sheema,” Orikunda affirmed.
This is not the first time ASF has disrupted the region, and the district, along with neighbouring areas, continues to seek a long-term solution to the recurring problem. Sheema is home to approximately 70,000 goats and sheep, 40,000 cattle, and 35,000 pigs, raised by the 47,360 households in the district.
https://thecooperator.news/livestock-farmers-to-pay-for-fmd-vaccines-under-new-government-policy/
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