African Swine Fever Can Wipe Out Pig Industry,Warns Minister

NAIS-Fisheries and Livestock Minister MAKOZO CHIKOTE has urged farmers and other stakeholders in the pig industry to cooperate in implementing measures government has put in place to control the African Swine Fever.

Speaking during the stakeholder meeting in Lusaka today, Mr CHIKOTE explained that the measures might be difficult and painful to pig farmers, but have to be implemented for the effective control of the disease.

Mr CHIKOTE said about 1,340 pigs have so far been slaughtered from 12 infected farms in Lusaka Province.

He said despite a complete ban on the movement of pigs in and out of Lusaka Province, a case of African swine fever has been recorded in Chililabombwe District on the Copperbelt Province, which is highly suspected to be as a result of illegal movement of pigs from an infected area.

Mr CHIKOTE said if left uncontrolled, the African swine fever can spread so fast and ravage the pig industry in the country, and that the fight requires the support and cooperation of all pig farmers and stakeholders.

He said other measures government has put in place include the closure and disinfection of pig abattoirs, quarantine of infected farms and slaughter of all infected pigs as well as strengthening of surveillance and testing of pigs.

And Lusaka Province Veterinary Officer PATRICIA BWALYA said the fight against the African swine fever requires the support of all farmers and stakeholders if it is to be effective and successful.

Dr BWALYA said there is need for total adherence to the measures for the disease to be controlled.

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