Over 600 pigs affected by the African Swine Fever have died in the Kwahu West Municipality of the Eastern Region. Pig farmers are counting their losses. The African Swine Fever was detected three weeks ago among pigs and confirmed after laboratory tests this week.
Veterinary officers are working tirelessly to contain the spread. A pig farmer at Kwahu Akwaboah, Dr. Kwesi Owusu, has been hardly hit and his chances of becoming the Regional Best Farmer were missed. He has incurred a loss of GH¢2.2 million from losing over 500 pigs to the African Swine fever outbreak.
“I have lost between GH¢2.2 million to GH¢2.5 million from the 500 pigs killed. I would not give up else the demand for pig meat can’t be met. I only need support to pull through.” The Kwahu West Veterinary Officer, Dr. Mark Owusu, confirmed the outbreak and assured the pig farmers the outbreak would be controlled.
He explained the African Swine Fever does not affect humans but spreads easily among pigs. “I can confirm the outbreak of the African Swine Fever. We took notice on August 28, 2023. We are managing it. Consumers should not be afraid, it does not affect humans. Farmers should not sell pigs outside this jurisdiction. No pigs should be moved in and out as well.”
The Kwahu West Municipal Agric Director, Francis Dogbatse, urged all pig farmers to quickly report any symptoms to veterinary officers. “We will keep the situation under control. I urge all the farmers to report symptoms quickly to us and our extension officers. This is really a hard blow [because] we tipped Dr Kwesi Owusu for the Eastern Regional Best Livestock award. He was only waiting for inspection.” The African Swine Fever is a highly contagious and deadly swine disease that can affect both farm-raised and wild pigs
By Yvonne Neequaye|3news.com|Ghana
