Kisoro confirms swine fever outbreak

Kisoro, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Kisoro District Veterinary department has banned the movement of pigs and their products following an outbreak of the highly contagious African swine fever.

Hebert Bubasha, the Kisoro District Veterinary Officer says that the disease has so far been confirmed in Murora, Kanaba, Kirundo and Bukimbiri sub-counties. He told URN on Tuesday night that the disease was first noticed by farmers in Murora sub-county about two weeks ago before it spread to Kanaba, Kirundo and Bukimbiri sub-counties.

According to Bubasha, his office has already registered more than 30 cases of deaths. He says that samples collected from the carcasses of the pigs all tested positive for African swine fever. Bubasha says that in order to control the further spread of the disease, nobody is allowed to transport pigs and their products from the affected sub-counties.

Bubasha advises farmers to report cases for management and immediately burry the carcasses of pigs succumbing to the disease. He also advises them to restrict strangers from accessing their piggery units to avoid contamination.

Abel Bizimana, Kisoro District LC 5 Chairperson has urged piggery farmers to abide by the directive or else the veterinary authorities will force them to comply with the help of security. This is not the first time African swine fever is affecting Kisoro district. In August 2015, the disease was confirmed in the sub-counties of Nyundo, Nyakabande, Busanza and Kisoro municipality.

The fever spreads through contact with an infected pig, products or body fluids. It presents itself with symptoms including loss of appetite and energy, vomiting, diarrhea, red or dark skin, particularly on the ears and snout, swollen red eyes, laboured breathing and coughing, abortions, stillbirths, and weak litters.

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