African swine fever – be alert

This week, the state veterinarian services assessed the situation after being alerted of an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Parys. ASF is a virus for which there still is no cure or vaccination available. Outbreaks of ASF have been seen not only in most provinces all over South Africa, but also internationally. Although the disease has been ongoing, it seems the frequency of outbreaks has increased drastically. The disease is endemic in the wild pig population, but we do not see the fatality rate as in domestic pigs.    

Dr Patricia Froneman (state veterinarian in Frankfort), Dr Tonia Anthonissen (state veterinarian in Kroonstad, also responsible for Parys), Dr Mashishi (deputy director for animal health in the Free State Province) and Mpho Moneong (animal health technician responsible for Parys and Vredefort), addressed the community on Monday. They discussed the signs of ASF, control and prevention, specifically concerning bio-security measures. They also made sure that burial control regulations are adhered to.

The doctors thanks Mr Collen Phule and Mr Choechoe for their help in this regard. It is important to note that, according to Section 11A of the Animal Diseases Act, animal owners are responsible for ensuring reasonable steps are taken to prevent the infection of animals with any animal disease or parasite and the spreading thereof from the relevant land or animals.

This law is enforced by Veterinary Services in the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Remember – ASF is not a danger to human health but kills domestic pigs The meat of infected pigs is not suitable for human consumption. The virus is highly resistant in the environment and contaminated pork products. Therefore, carelessness can spread the disease.  

Important to know about ASF

The main sources of infection for pigs are live pigs, objects contaminated with the blood or excretions of infected pigs and uncooked or undercooked pork, says Prof. Mary-Lou Penrith.

Simple measures should be in place to protect pigs, including:

* Not buying new pigs from unknown sources, particularly if the price is unusually low. Rather buy from reputable breeders with known health status. Restrict access to pigs and premises where they are kept.

* Disinfection or change of footwear for persons who must have access to the pigs.

* Disinfection of any shared equipment.

* Do not feed leftover food to pigs that may contain uncooked or undercooked pork.

* Fly control is advised.  

Clinical signs of ASF

* ASF typically causes a high fever and rapid death within 2–10 days on average.

* Death may affect as much as 100 per cent of the herd/group.

* Signs may include abortion in pregnant sows, loss of appetite, depression, difficulty breathing, vomiting, bleeding from the nose or rectum, diarrhoea and redness of the skin of the ears, abdomen and legs.

* Some forms of the virus produce less intense disease though deaths can still range from 30 to 70 per cent.

* Chronic disease symptoms include loss of weight, intermittent fever, respi- ratory signs, chronic ulcers and arthritis. Places with an outbreak will be quarantined and pigs not allowed to be moved. How the disease is diagnosed

* Unexplained and quick death of pigs; confirmation must be made through prescribed laboratory tests. ASF is a controlled animal disease and any suspicion must be reported to the local state veterinarian or animal health technician.

Once the disease has been reported, a state veterinarian or animal health technician will investigate and collect samples for testing to confirm or rule out ASF.

Pig owners in Parys who have a sudden rise in deaths among their pigs or have questions or concerns should phone Mpho Moneong on 082 932 7750.