(PRRS) in the Western Cape Province of South Africa
18 September 2007
The Minister of Agriculture of the Western Cape, Mr Cobus Dowry, announced
that tests done at Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Institute and the
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Research Centre indicate the diagnosis of PRRS or
commonly known as Blue-ear Disease of pigs, on several pig farms in the Boland,
Malmesbury and Worcester areas of the Western Cape province.
The first suspicion of the disease was detected on the 1st August 2007 on a
farm in Klapmuts during routine serological monitoring of all pigs in the
province. Since then an intensive serological investigation has been underway
to determine the extent of spread of the condition as there appears to be
virtually no clinical manifestations of the disease in pigs at present. As far
as can be ascertained, twenty one farms with approximately 8000 pigs appear to
be involved at this stage. Further investigation as to the possible source and
full extent of the disease continues by the Department of Veterinary Services,
Animal Health.
The disease was also confirmed on 12th September 2007 as being the European
strain of PRRS in samples sent to Wheybridge in the United Kingdom (UK). This
viral disease has previously being diagnosed in South Africa with the PRRS
outbreak in April 2004. In that instance it was the American strain of the
disease and it would seem that it was successfully eradicated at that stage by
the Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Services. However, this new outbreak
with the European strain implies that there has unfortunately been a second
incursion of the virus from overseas possibly from a completely different
source.
Both strains occur in Europe and the United States of America but the former
in this outbreak appears to be decidedly less virulent than the American strain
which caused major losses of pigs in the Cape Metropole in 2004. All positive
and suspect farms have already been placed under quarantine and a movement ban
of pigs from these farms has already been instituted. The existing issuing of
Red Cross permits for all other pig movements is still in force and farmers are
requested to continue applying for these from their local State Veterinary
Office.
Mr Dowry said that it is important to put the minds of the general public
and all pig producers at ease, knowing there is minimal risk of other farms
becoming infected, provided pig producers practice strict bio-security measures
and be careful to only buy pigs from sources of high health status. The Chief
Director of Veterinary Services, Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Dr
Gininda Msiza, encourages all producers to contact their local State
Veterinarian as soon as possible if their pigs have not yet been tested for
PRRS.
The national Department has already notified the World Organisation of
Animal Health (OIE) of the recent outbreak of the disease and will collaborate
closely with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture in the further
investigation and containment of the disease. Dr Msiza confirmed that
serologically positive PRRS pigs would be slaughtered at local abattoirs,
without any compensation from the State, as the disease poses no risk to people
and is suitable for human consumption. The Department of Agriculture will
oversee the whole process and provide funds for operational costs only. He also
emphasized that the South African Pork Producers Organisation (SAPPO) will be
integrally involved in assisting with the eradication of the disease.
For more information, contact:
Boland
Dr G Bührmann
Tel: 021 808 5253
Malmesbury
Dr S Davey
Tel: 022 4821380
Worcester
Dr L Hon
Tel: 028 5141670
Elsenburg
Dr G Msiza
Chief Director Veterinary Services
Tel: 021 808 5001
Alie van Jaarsveld
Spokesperson
Ministry of Agriculture: Western Cape
Tel: 021 483 4930
Fax: 021 483 3890
Cell: 084 604 6701
E-mail: avjaarsv@pgwc.gov.za
Issued by: Western Cape Provincial Government
18 September 2007
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za)
