By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
SHEEMA:
Veterinary authorities in Sheema district have ordered for the closure of all pork markets in some areas due to the probable outbreak of African Swine Fever in the area.
Health experts say the deadly disease is suspected to have come from the neighbouring Bushenyi district noting that it has already infected some animals in Kitagata sub county.
According to a stament dated 26th October by the District Veterinary Officer (DVO) Joseph Amanya, a team of veterinary doctors from the district have carried out samples from the suspected infected pigs and sent it to NADDEC laboratory in Entebbe for further testing.
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Amanya in a statement said slaughtering and movement of pigs some areas have been temporarly restricted to linit the spread of the disease.
The affected areas are Town councils of Shuuku, Bugongi, Kitagata and sub counties of Rugarama, Kitagata and Kasaana. These have been stopped with immediate effect.
The DVO has urged farmers to isolate sick pigs and carry out proper disposal of dead pigs as well as regularly disinfecting of stays and to avoid visiting the infected premises.
These have been advised to report all cases of suspected African Swine Fever in their areas to the respective sub county authorities for proper management.
In related stories, authorities have disclosed another possible diseases outbreak in the area.
“The district responsetaskforce is studying suspected outbreak of limpy skin disease in Kigarama sub county for appropriate action,” Vets said.
They further threatened to close Kagati livestock market due to threats of infected Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the neighboring Rwampara district.
About ASF
African Swine Fever (ASF) is according to veterinary reports a highly contagious hemorrhagic disease affecting both domestic and wild pigs. The disease according to experts has no cure and any animal that dies of this disease it recommended to burial.
The disease was recently pronounced in the districts of Rubanda, Ntungamo, Kanungu and Rukiga districts, and farmers in those areas have been alerted.
