control of pigs
14 March 2006
It was reported yesterday that the Eastern Cape veterinary services have
detected swine fever at Uitenhage in the Nelson Mandela Metro and that about a
1000 pigs needs to be culled during culling operations this week.
Last week the national Department of Agriculture requested the Western Cape
Department of Agriculture's veterinary services to take over the two most
critical roadblocks bordering the Eastern Cape to prevent the spreading of the
classical swine fever to the Western Cape.
The one roadblock is on the N2 and other on the R62 to prevent the spreading
of the disease.
As in the past all the other roll players (Disaster Management, South
African Police Service (SAPS), Provincial and Municipal Traffic) are on board
as the detailed plan of action and the implementation of the road blocks were
discussed and finalised at a meeting in Oudtshoorn early last week.
At this stage it is planned to keep the road blocks in place for the next
six months where after a further assessment will be made and a decision taken
on the measures of movement control.
We have responded to the request from the national Department without
hesitation as part of the bigger agricultural family and also to contribute to
the protection of our own pork industry in the Western Cape.
Enquiries:
Alie van Jaarsveld
Cell: 084 604 6702
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Provincial
Government
14 March 2006
