#Uganda (Moyo)- African Swine Fever

Date: Mon 13 Dec 2010
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda) [edited]


Authorities in Moyo District have banned transportation of pigs out of
the district following an outbreak of African swine fever. The
authorities have also banned the sale of pork in the district.
According to the acting district veterinary officer, Dr Richard Akule,
the ban is aimed at reducing further spread, especially from Southern
Sudan and also from neighbouring districts.

Dr Akule said some people have started drying the condemned meat in
some of the villages. "I know pigs are a source of livelihood to many
so others could not report such cases to us, we found others smoking
the condemned meat," he said. A farmer in Kendi village who has lost 5
of his pigs, says his revenue income would be reduced. "5 pigs are a
lot because piggery is my major source of income. I think government
should help us to vaccinate the animals," [he] said. So far, at least
150 pigs have reportedly died following the outbreak of the disease a
week ago.

The disease is ravaging 8 villages in Moyo Sub-county and Moyo Town
Council. African swine fever is a highly contagious disease that is
normally fatal especially in pigs. It is transmitted through direct
contact with infected animals. Symptoms of the disease include fever,
inactivity, and loss of appetite. The abdomen and ventral chest may
present blue and red discoloration.

Depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, and uncoordinated movement are
some of the signs and symptoms that infected pigs will show. Dr Akule
advised farmers to monitor their animals for symptoms and inform
authorities on time.

At the moment, the movement of pigs, pork, and other pig products
from, to, and within the district is prohibited until further notice.
Similar quarantine was imposed in the district in June this year
[2010] and only lifted after the disease burden had subsided.