Swine fever kills thousands of pigs

Dwenem (B/A) Feb. 21 GNA - African swine fever has reportedly killed more than 4000 pigs at Dwene in Jaman South District of Brong Ahafo, forcing most of the owners to withdraw their children from schools for lack of fund

Mr. Emmanuel Boakye Antwi, leader of the Pig Farmers Association of Dwenem, who has lost 123 pigs explained to Ghana News Agency the rearing of the animals was their main source of income and they could no longer afford their children's school fees or the needed educational materials. The pig farmers, numbering about 45 staged a peaceful demonstration after which they held a crisis meeting and decided to send their grievance to the appropriate quarters.

Mr. Boakye appealed to the government to help them to resuscitate their businesses.

Mr. Kwaku Gyan Taylor, whose 145 animals were killed, said the group would petition the District Chief Executive, the MP for Jaman South Mrs. Anna Nyamekye, who is Deputy Minister o Food and Agriculture and NADMO to help them.

When contacted, Dr. Kwaku Sindim, District Veterinary Officer, said tests conducted confirmed the presence of the disease in the area, adding the first case was detected on January 2, this year.

Blood samples indicate the epidemic is spreading to surrounding villages, including Nyame Asuogya and others, he said Mr. F. X. Appumbora, Deputy District Director of Agriculture noted that the outbreak was of serious epidemiological concern and urged pig farmers in Wenchi, Berekum and Dormaa to report all cases.