GEORGE NEWS - African swine fever (ASF) has spread from Mossel Bay to George. These are the first outbreaks of this deadly disease ever in Mossel Bay and George.
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has confirmed the outbreak of ASF in pigs in Thembalethu in George.
Head of communication in the department, Mary James, said the first outbreak, in KwaNonqaba in Mossel Bay, was confirmed on 13 January.
This week James confirmed that pigs in Thembalethu are now also affected. A reliable source told paper that the first case of ASF in George was reported on Wednesday 19 January.
Last week more than 75 pigs died in Mossel Bay. The number of pigs affected in George is not yet known.
Both areas have been placed under quarantine and community members are urged to not remove any pigs or pork products from the area in order to prevent further spread of the disease.
On Wednesday 26 January, the Veterinary Services of the Western Cape held an urgent meeting with the affected community in George.
James said there would be more information sessions with pig farmers and community members in Mossel Bay, George and Plettenberg Bay from 7 to 9 February.
ASF is a virus that only affects pigs. However, there is currently no vaccination or treatment available for the prevention of the disease, thus the only way to protect pigs are good biosecurity measures.
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