Cape province still continues
13 October 2006
The classical swine fever outbreak in the Eastern Cape province is under
control, and efforts are on track to completely eradicate it. Large numbers of
infected pigs have been culled and the owners have been compensated. As a
result, the number of cases in the Eastern Cape Province has decreased
considerably, despite the persistence in areas of Amathole, Chris Hani and OR
Tambo Municipal Districts.
In order to contain and fully combat the outbreak in domestic pigs, it has
become necessary to extend the current disease control campaign for another six
months. During this period the Eastern Cape province will remain a classical
swine fever controlled area in terms of the Animal Diseases Act 35 of 1984, as
declared on Friday, 7 April 2006.
No live pigs, pork or pork products may be taken out of the Eastern Cape
Province. It must also be noted that the in-transit movement of live pigs, pork
or pork products from other provinces through the Eastern Cape Province is also
not allowed. Hunters must take note that the measures include wild pigs,
warthogs and bush pigs as well as any of their products. Roadblocks at the
borders of the Eastern Cape province are enforcing the movement ban to prevent
spread of the disease. With special reference to the upcoming holiday period,
the public is requested to adhere to the instituted measures in order to assist
in the eradication campaign. Details are available from State Veterinary
offices.
An ongoing targeted surveillance programme is being conducted in all
provinces to assist in the early detection of any possible occurrence of the
disease. The Eastern Cape Province remains currently the only infected
province. Thanks to the concerted efforts of all role players involved in the
campaign it was possible to prevent any further spread of the disease. The
national and provincial departments of agriculture and directorates of
veterinary services, together with the South African National Defence Force
(SANDF), South African Police Services (SAPS) and Disaster Management
Authorities remain fully committed to this task, with full support from the
South African Pork Producers Organisation (SAPPO).
In order to safeguard the long-term sustainability of pig farming in South
Africa, it is essential for all pig owners to realise the importance of
protecting their pigs from exposure to diseases, like foot-and-mouth disease,
African swine fever, classical swine fever and cysticercosis (tapeworm
infection). Minimum bio-security measures are essential to safeguard human and
animal health and should include the following:
* confine pigs to pig-proof sties at all times to prevent contact with wild
pigs, including warthogs and bush pigs and other animals
* do not feed swill (kitchen offal) unless it has been cooked for at least one
hour or sterilised
* all animals should have access to clean potable water at all times
* always change clothes and wash hands before coming into contact with pigs to
avoid transmitting diseases to them
* only buy pigs from piggeries with a known disease-free status; owners are
advised to contact their private veterinarians or nearest State Veterinary
offices for more details.
Enquiries:
Steve Galane
Tel: (012) 319 7312
Cell: 083 635 7346
E-mail: dais@nda.agric.za
Issued by: Department of Agriculture
13 October 2006
