Sale of Pork banned in Kisoro after African Swine Fever is confirmed.

Sale of Pork banned in Kisoro after African Swine Fever is confirmed.

The Kisoro district acting production office Dr. Herbert Ngabo has announced a total ban on the movement of pigs including their products like Pork after an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) has been confirmed in the district.

Dr. Ngabo who also doubles as the district veterinary officer (DVO) said the outbreak has been confirmed in Murora and Kanaba sub counties while some other cases have also been reported in Rubuguri town council, Bukimbiri Sub County and Kirundo Sub County.

More than 30 pigs in Murora and Kanaba Sub counties that died and were later tested turned positive for African swine fever.

“We anticipate that the disease might have crossed over from neighboring Rwanda by Pig farmers who cross into Uganda through Murora and Kanaba. We are still carrying out investigations to come up with a conclusive report”, Dr. Ngabo explained.

He further noted that the district has issued a ban on transportation of Pigs as well as sale of pig products including Pork which is a favorite delicacy for many Ugandans.

What is African swine fever?

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious hemorrhagic viral disease of domestic and wild pigs, which is responsible for serious economic and production losses.

This Trans boundary animal disease can be spread by live or dead pigs, domestic or wild, and pork products; furthermore, transmission can also occur via contaminated non-living objects such as shoes, clothes, vehicles, knives, equipment etc., due to the high environmental resistance of ASF virus.

Prevention Techniques:

Dr. Ngabo said ASF cannot be prevented once an outbreak has occurred.

He noted that the best option is to completely ban any movement of Pigs.

“Please do not buy any pig products at this time. In case of any sudden deaths of pigs, bury them in a hole that is 4 meters deep. Anyone who fails to comply with the restrictions will arrested and taken to court. The penalty will be a 2 year jail sentence”, said Dr. Ngabo