Swine fever: Masaka farmers are wary on investing in piggery

What you need to know:

  • Last year, there was an outbreak of African swine fever in Masaka. This has had effect on pig farmers as they adjust to the situation, writes Brian Mugenyi

Following an outbreak of African swine fever earlier in January, which killed many pigs in Masaka District, farmers are worried about investing their money in pig-rearing due to fear that the disease is still spreading.

Speaking to Daily Monitor, Sam Ssekyondwa, the chairperson, Masaka Pig Union, said many of the renowned farmers in area are planning to invest their money in retail businesses rather than rearing pigs.

Lucrative
He added that due to the disease outbreak, many other farmers feel demotivated. They are selling their pigs even cheaper to get rid of the stock. Some have even got rid of the pig pens on farms.

Masaka is one of the leading producer of pigs in Uganda followed by Kamuli District. From an indigenous breed, the least a farmer can earn is Shs120,000 while for a cross-breed, it can be Shs300,000 in less than six months. Prices range from Shs50,000 for an indigenous piglet and Shs70,000 to Shs100,000 for a cross-breed.

“The disease killed many pigs and farmers are still calculating their losses,” said Ssekyondwa. “Some had got loans from banks to invest in pig-rearing.”

Edward Waligo, a farmer from Gayaza village, Kimannya-Kyabakuza Division, Masaka, lost all his seven pigs including two pregnant sows.

Also, a youth group called Gayaza Youth Association for Development (GYAD) lost five pigs to swine fever. They, however, sold another five pigs that survived.
Robert Lubyaayi, the project manager for GYAD, said they are planning to invest the money they got from selling the pigs in a saloon or a restaurant rather than in rearing pigs.

Hopeful
However, Mukasa Kirumira, the Masaka District deputy veterinary officer said they have not received any report from farmers who have lost their pigs this month (February) although since December last year, the disease has been killing pigs.

“Swine fever is always high during the dry season. It is heavily spread through the wind and contact from other animals,” said Kirumira. “Because it has started raining, we are hopeful, the disease outbreak will be subside.”

He thus advised farmers whose pigs died because of swine fever, to clean their pigpens with detergents, and wait for some days before restocking them with other pigs.