Swine fever kills 600 pigs

 
An outbreak of African Swine Fever has hit the Ellembelle District and its environs in the Western Region, resulting in the death of 600 pigs.

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture(MOFA), which announced this in Sekondi, has, therefore, warned against the eating of carcasses in the area.

African Swine Fever
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks pigs. The disease may occur in acute, sub-acute or chronic forms. The acute form causes the death of majority of infected pigs and migration of animals is said to be the cause of the rapid spread of the disease.

Briefing
Speaking at an inter-departmental meeting at the Western Regional Coordinating Council yesterday, Mr Victor Oko Nai, the Regional Director of Agriculture, said one farmer in the district had reported the death of 98 animals yesterday. He, however, gave an assurance that the department was working hard to bring the outbreak under control.

Mr Nai said additional staff from Accra had been dispatched to the region and they, together with district and regional officers, were investigating the incident and would advise farmers accordingly.

He urged the farmers not to transfer or sell the affected animals to anybody or for commercial purposes.

The Western Regional Minister, Mr E. K. T. Addo, urged the department to ensure that the situation was controlled quickly to ensure public safety.