Outbreak of African Swine Fever - Vet. Doctors interact with pig

farmers.

Elubo (W/R) Feb. 2 GNA- Following the outbreak of the African Swine Fever (ASF) in some parts of the country, a team of veterinary officers from the Veterinary Services Directorate have toured some communities in the Jomoro and Nzema East districts where pig rearing is the predominant occupation of the people.

The two districts have a total pig population of about 150,000, making them the leading producers of pigs in the country.

The team inspected pigsties and interacted with farmers at Effasu, Jaway Wharf, Takinta, Bonyere, Nuba, Elubo and Half Assini. They also interacted with other stakeholders, including pork sellers and processors, opinion leaders and the security personnel.

Dr. Joseph N. Karimu, Veterinary Epidemiologist in-charge of the Southern zone, who lead the team said the tour, which was in collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) was to create the necessary awareness among pig farmers to check the spread of the ASF to the area.

Other members of the team include Dr. Richard Suu-Ire, Wildlife Veterinary officer in-charge of the Accra Zoo and Mr. Hill Mends of the Communications Unit of the Veterinary Services Directorate.

It was also to educate the farmers so that they would be able to detect early symptoms of the ASF and to report the disease to veterinary officers for control.

According to Dr. Karimu, the latest report of the outbreak of ASF is from Kete-Krachi in the Volta Region, Salaga in the Northern region, Atebubu, Yeji and Sankore in Brong Ahafo and Assin Fosu in the Central Region.

There had been earlier reports of the outbreak of the disease in some parts of Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions.