Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/13/704510
African swine fever in Uganda
Wednesday, 16th December, 2009
By Andante Okanya
THERE is an outbreak of African swine fever in Uganda, the animal industry state minister has said.
Bright Rwamirama told journalists yesterday that the agriculture ministry had received reports of the outbreak in Wakiso and Jinja districts.
So far, 20 cases have been reported in Kisubi on Entebbe road, and five cases in Jinja, he said.
The disease, which only attacks pigs, is caused by the African swine fever virus.
Symptoms include fever, reddening of the ears, increased pulse and respiratory rate and discharge from the eyes.
There is no treatment or vaccine to-date, Rwamirama added, urging pig farmers to keep watch and ensure that the disease does not spread.
?We are advising farmers not to allow visitors to their farms. They must also monitor the food that is brought into the farms as it could be affected,? Rwamirama said.
Farmers were also urged to prevent their animals from getting in contact with wild pigs, which carry the virus.
Transmission is through contact and feeding pigs with food containing infected meat.
The disease is common in sub-Saharan Africa. Its incubation period is five to 15 days. Animals could die in a week after infection, and pregnant sows suffer abortion.
African swine fever in Uganda
Wednesday, 16th December, 2009
By Andante Okanya
THERE is an outbreak of African swine fever in Uganda, the animal industry state minister has said.
Bright Rwamirama told journalists yesterday that the agriculture ministry had received reports of the outbreak in Wakiso and Jinja districts.
So far, 20 cases have been reported in Kisubi on Entebbe road, and five cases in Jinja, he said.
The disease, which only attacks pigs, is caused by the African swine fever virus.
Symptoms include fever, reddening of the ears, increased pulse and respiratory rate and discharge from the eyes.
There is no treatment or vaccine to-date, Rwamirama added, urging pig farmers to keep watch and ensure that the disease does not spread.
?We are advising farmers not to allow visitors to their farms. They must also monitor the food that is brought into the farms as it could be affected,? Rwamirama said.
Farmers were also urged to prevent their animals from getting in contact with wild pigs, which carry the virus.
Transmission is through contact and feeding pigs with food containing infected meat.
The disease is common in sub-Saharan Africa. Its incubation period is five to 15 days. Animals could die in a week after infection, and pregnant sows suffer abortion.