By Bruno Mugizi
Sheema District Production Department, together with the District Security Committee, has temporarily suspended the slaughter of and sale of pigs and their products following the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the district.
African Swine Fever is a contagious and infectious disease that spreads rapidly among animals. It is passed on to pigs through a vicious cycle between soft ticks and wild pigs, as well as through direct contact with infected pigs.
Dr Joseph Amanya, Sheema District Veterinary Officer, said that some cases of the swine fever have been reported in Nyakashambya cell, Nyakashambya ward, and Nyakashebeya ward in Sheema Municipality.
He said over 20 pigs have been reported to have been affected by the disease, and over five have already died.
He said the disease is dangerous since it causes the sudden death of pigs but has no harmful effects on human beings.
According to Dr Amanya, an infected pig shows signs of fever, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, red spots on the skin, and vomiting blood, among others. He said the animals will show the signs within three days.
He said they have received clearance from the District Security Committee and the Chief Administrative Officer to stop the movement of pigs and their products from one place to another to contain the spread of the disease.
“Although the virus is not harmful to human beings, the movement of pigs and their products, as well as roadside meat roasting, especially in the evening in all towns in the district, have been restricted. This is intended to minimise the spread of the disease to other neighbouring districts,” said Dr Amanya.
Dr. Amanya said there is no medicine to vaccinate the pigs that are affected or to treat those that are not yet affected.
Meanwhile, Sam Orikunda, Sheema Deputy Resident District Commissioner, said they have embarked on sensitising all local leaders and pig industry stakeholders across the district to effect guidelines set by the production team to ensure maximum cooperation during the temporary period.
