fever outbreak under control
24 April 2006
The classical swine fever outbreak in the Eastern Cape is under control but
not completely eradicated, this has been confirmed by the national Department
of Agriculture in the Statement it has issued on 10 April 2006.
This Department has been involved in the control of swine fever since the
first outbreak in Centane, July 2005. The Department has achieved a lot with
the support of the public (communities), such that it has managed to contain
the disease within the provincial boundaries and in the process has ensured
that all affected pigs are removed from our farming systems.
However, the national Department said no live pigs, pork or pork products
may be taken out of the Eastern Cape Province, and also hunters must take note
that the measures include wild pigs, warthogs as well as any of their products.
The public is requested to adhere to the instituted measures in roadblocks at
the borders of the Province, which are enforcing the movement ban to prevent
spread of the disease in order to assist in the eradication campaign.
The culling of pigs is still taking place and the public is urged to avail
their pigs. Furthermore, those in culled areas are also urged not to restock
until the Department has made announcement regarding this matter.
The Department is aware that not all beneficiaries have been remunerated
yet. An amount of R25 475 966 million has been paid to beneficiaries who had
banking details in the first stage but the key challenge was that people in the
remote areas did not have banking details. The Department has arranged with the
Post Office to pay these beneficiaries who do not have banking details.
Moreover, to ensure that the Department is committed to paying our farmers
and communities it has designed automated systems to fast track the existing
backlogs and to further ensure that future payments are done on time.
Enquiries:
Ndileka Cola
Cell: 073 376 8758
Fikile Black
Cell: 082 578 1437
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Eastern Cape Provincial
Government
24 April 2006
Source: Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecprov.gov.za)
