The government’s veterinary services have confirmed that approximately 23,000 pigs have died across the Western and North-Western provinces due to outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS).
Reports indicate that between 11,000 and 13,000 pigs in Western Province farms and around 10,000 pigs in North-Western Province farms have succumbed to these diseases. In response, veterinary officers and investigation teams have conducted extensive testing on samples from affected animals. Officials have also announced that vaccination efforts are underway to contain the outbreaks.
To mitigate further spread and ensure safe production practices, the government veterinary services are preparing to issue guidelines. These instructions, which will be released by the Director General of the Department of Animal Production and Health, will cover protocols for the movement of animals from disease-free farms and the release of food products—such as sausages made from pigs slaughtered prior to the infection period.
Given the severity of the outbreaks, government veterinary authorities are also reviewing existing regulations, aiming to maintain stringent control measures to prevent further spread of the disease.
