About 166 Pigs in Tanzania have succumbed to a deadly African Swine Fever causing panick among Pig keepers in the East African country.
The break out of the disease was confirmed by the regional chief veterinary officer, Dr James Kawamala, as he declared a quarantine to prevent transporting pigs’ in and out of the city.
According to notices posted at various locations in the city, it is strictly prohibited for any person to slaughter, distribute or even give as gift pig meat without the approval of the city veterinary officer.
Dr Kawamala said he received reports about the disease from Mbeya Rural and Rungwe districts, saying that the regional office was considering taking further measures.
“For whatever reasons pig meat will now be required to be verified and approved by specialists before being eaten,” he said.
African Swine Fever, for the first time, broke out in Mbeya in 2011 where many pigs died causing millions in loss to keepers. According to Dr Kawamala, Mbeya City alone lost over 1,500 pigs.
The Citizen
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