An outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) has been reported in the Heilbron area of the Free State Province in May 2019, according to the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry Monday.

Image/Robert Herriman

This follows outbreaks in April 2019 in the North West, Mpumalanga and Gauteng provinces. All four outbreaks occurred outside of the ASF controlled area of South Africa and have been reported to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).

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The affected areas have been placed under quarantine and provincial veterinary services are applying the necessary disease control measures. Veterinary services together with the industry are conducting follow-up investigations to trace the origin of the disease and to identify other farms that may possibly be affected.

ASF does not affect humans and the consumption of pork is safe. However, any meat and products from affected pigs can be a source of infection to other pigs. Farmers should therefore ensure that, if any swill is fed to pigs, the swill must be pre-cooked for at least an hour. This will ensure the inactivation of the ASF virus, as well as other diseases of concern.