Kazo: Farmers decry outbreak of African swine fever
Farmers dealing in piggery and traders selling pork in Kazo district, are devastated by the outbreak of Africa Swine Fever (ASF) in the district.
Ham Rubainika, the Kazo district secretary for production and natural resources said several cases were first confirmed in Migina Sub-county after the visit by the District Veterinary Officer (DVO) and the Lab attendant, who were tipped off by some of the affected farmers.
Esau Mwebeiha, the parish councilor representing Kikoni Parish in the Migina sub-county council said the ASF outbreak was first registered in September 2021, where over 50 pigs in Kikoni parish died.
Mwebeiha added that this which prompted the authorities to institute a temporary quarantine that lasted until May 2022.
Mwebeiha noted that however, in August, another outbreak led to the loss of more pigs.
Rubainika urged the farmers and all the residents to try their best in containing the disease thus minimizing the spread in the district.
According to World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs, whose mortality rate can reach 100%.
WOAH notes that there is currently no effective vaccine against ASF.
WOAH adds that although ASF is not a danger to human health, it has devastating effects on pig populations and the farming economy.
The virus is characterized as highly resistant in the environment, can survive on clothes, boots, wheels, and various pork products, such as ham, sausages or bacon.
According to WOAH, human behaviors play an important role in spreading this pig disease across borders if adequate measures are not taken.
