African Swine Fever kills 1,500 pigs

Fifty-four pig farmers in the Ellembelle District lost GH¢350,000 as a result of the outbreak of African Swine Fever (AFS) in the district.

The swine fever claimed more than 1,500 pigs.
Currently, the situation has been brought under control, although the Veterinary Services Department is continuining with a disinfection exercise to prevent another outbreak. Veterinary Services

The Deputy Director of the Veterinary Services Department in the Western Region, Dr Christopher Tagoe, told the Daily Graphic that his outfit had carried out a first and second disinfection exercise of various pig farms in the district.

He said there would be a third spraying of the communities to ensure that all viruses were completely destroyed.

“A healthy pig from another part of the country will be brought to the affected areas and if the virus still exists, within a short time it will affect it again. If it does not, then the area will be declared safe for the farmers to continue,” he said. Compensation

He said initially, there was no plan for compensation, but the district assembly had submitted a report and made some recommendations as to how best to address the plight of the farmers.

Dr  Tagoe could, however, not confirm the exact support that would be given to the farmers. DCE

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Mr Daniel K. Eshun, said pig farming was one of the most vibrant economic activities of the people along the coastline.

He said it was important, therefore, not to ignore them, considering the level of cooperation received from them during the outbreak and the amount they invested in the business.