Hundreds of pigs die as African swine fever hits Masaka
One of the sick pigs in Masaka District. Photo by Christopher Kisekka
MASAKA- As the battle against the recent outbreak of bird flu in various parts of Uganda rages; dozens of pig farmers in Masaka District are counting losses following an epidemic of African swine fever that has claimed a number of animals in the area.
The African swine fever is a contagious and fatal viral infection that spreads rapidly in pigs. It is passed on to the pigs in a vicious cycle between soft ticks and wild pigs and direct contact with infected pigs.
Dr Mukasa Kirumira, the Masaka District deputy veterinary officer, said they have imposed quarantine on the movement of pigs in and out of in Kimanya/Kyabakuza Division and selling their products to avert the spread of the disease.
"Our team of veterinary experts has been dispatched to the affected area to contain the outbreak. We are expecting good results from them and we urge farmers to cooperate by reporting to us any new cases," Dr Mukasa said on Tuesday.
Dr Kirumira said the first cases of swine fever were first reported at Mwalo Village in Kimanya-Kyabakuza Division last week where Ms Fiona Kataama ,a prominent piggery farmer lost over 300 pigs early this month . Ms Kataama said she had 400 piglets, but 300 have died of swine fever.
Dr Kirumira said they took blood samples of the dead and sick pigs to Entebbe Virus Research Centre where it was confirmed that the pigs died of swine fever.
''We ask our farmers not let their pigs wander from village to village. When pigs roam around, they easily spread or contract diseases,” he said.
He said the infection has persistently spread due farmers’ reluctance to adhere the set preventive precautions put in place.
Dr Kirumira, expressed dismay over some pork dealers who are still flocking the area to cheaply buy the animals from farmers who are afraid of losing their animals to the disease.
According to Dr Kirumira, an infected pig shows signs of high fever, loss of appetite and laboured breathing. Between two to three days, the animal completely loses strength to stand due paralysis in the legs.
Piggery is a major farming activity in Uganda and one of the main sources of economic livelihoods for many households involved in the sector.
Masaka is the leading producer of pigs in Uganda followed by Kamuli District, according to Dr Kirumira.
For an indigenous pig 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.
Control measures
Local farmers can manage the disease through confining their animals, burying carcasses of the infected pigs and using disinfectants to clean their feeding utensils.
