The Ministry of Agriculture in Uganda has banned the selling and consumption of all pork products and the movement of pigs in Kabarole district following the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Kisomoro sub county. The disease is caused by the African swine fever virus and has no effect on human health.
A letter from the Ministry of Agriculture’s livestock and entomology department (a copy of which was seen by Ugandan newspaper the Daily Monitor) directs the veterinary staff, local leaders and enforcement personnel to enforce quarantine restrictions so as to control the incurable disease.
Speaking to Daily Monitor the Kabarole district veterinary officer Dr Salvatore Abigaba revealed that over 100 pigs have died since the outbreak of African swine in Lyamabwa, Kahondo and some parts of Kibito town council in Bunyagabu County.
“Over 100 pigs have died and we have now ordered the closure of all pork joints, no more movement of pigs in or outside the district so as to contain the disease” Abigaba said
Dr Abigaba warned that “Anyone found selling pork or pigs during this quarantine time will be arrested and fined shs 2million” Dr Abigaba said
Dr Abigaba urged the residents to observe the quarantine measures taken so as to save lives of their pigs. It is feared that there might be more cases which have not been reported due to lack of knowledge about the disease which could compromise the fight of the disease and spread it to other districts.
Dr Abigaba advised people to confine their pigs and bury the dead ones instead of consuming them to curb further spread of the disease. He also encouraged people in the affected areas to report to the veterinary officials any cases of sickness so that measures can be taken in time.
Swine fever has been reported recently in the districts of Moyo, Wakiso, Kibale, Gulu Kitgum among others and has killed many pigs.
Impact on livelihoods
The outbreak could have a significant impact on people’s income. In Kabarole district, a kilogram of pork costs between shs 10,000 and shs 30,000 which means those in the pork business may lose a lot during this quarantine period.
Pig farming is one of the fastest growing livestock activities in the rural areas of Uganda and has become very attractive through the country as a means of increasing food, income and employment but has on several occasions been hampered by ASF. According to reports, Uganda has the largest and fastest growing pig production in Eastern Africa. But ASF is an economically important and frequently lethal disease of domestic pigs which has hampered the development.
About swine fever
ASF can be transmitted by direct contact with infected animals, ticks, or indirect contact with contaminated objects. The swine fever virus is highly contagious and can spread very rapidly among pigs by direct or indirect contact. It also stays for a long time in pig products and the environment.
The first signs of infection in a herd can be lesions and sudden deaths. In later stages, the disease is characterised by high fever, lack of appetite, weakness and lethargy. Other symptoms can include reddening of the ears, increased pulse and respiratory rate and discharge from the eyes.
The disease is common in sub-Saharan Africa. Its incubation period is five to 15 days. Animals could die in a week after infection, and it can cause pregnant sows to miscarry.
The pig population in Uganda now stands at about 3.2 million pigs, and pig production is dominated by the free-range system largely in rural areas. 1.1 million Households own pigs in Uganda (17.8%) and the average herd size is three pigs. ASF usually decimates the whole herd and the farmer has to start all over again, leading to loss of interest in the industry.
ASF has had a direct effect in reducing the pig population and the number of farmers in the industry and the only way to fight it is through preventive measures.
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sharifah