Botswana’s Department of Veterinary Services on Friday informed famers that it has banned importation of pigs from South Africa following the outbreak of African Swine Fever in that country.
The Director of Veterinary Services Letlhogile Modisa said African Swine Fever; a highly contagious disease of domestic and wild pigs has been reported in South Africa.
“Due to this outbreak a ban on importation of live pigs and their fresh products from South Africa is hereby imposed,” said Modisa.
He advised farmers to confine their pigs in pigsties and report all ill or dead pigs (both domestic, free range and warthogs) to their local department of veterinary services offices or police.
In a statement South Africa’s Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry’s spokesperson, Khaye Nkwanyana, was quoted as saying that “outbreaks occurred outside of the African Swine Fever controlled area of South Africa and have been reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health”.
He added “The affected areas have been placed under quarantine and provincial veterinary services are applying the necessary disease control measures.”
KO/as/APA