Suspected African Swine Fever outbreak devastates pig farms in Damongo

Herds of pigs have died in Damongo, the capital of the Savannah Region, following a suspected outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF).

The outbreak comes barely two years after the disease destroyed  many  pig farms in the area in 2023, and already, the latest situation has sparked fears among farmers as they continue to count their losses.

The disease has reportedly spread across areas such as Boroto, Canteen, Attributu and Sori Number One, where some of the affected farmers have resorted to slaughtering and burying sick pigs in a bid to control the spread of the outbreak, while others remained helpless.

The West Gonja Municipal Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Enoch Sarkodie-Addo, confirmed the incident and said the department had intensified its surveillance to contain the outbreak.

He advised the farmers to adopt strict biosecurity measures and intensive farming to reduce the risk of spreading to other farmers, explaining that “The best solution is strict biosecurity and intensive farming because, unfortunately, there are no vaccines available for ASF yet, although research is ongoing”.

Some of the pig farmers who spoke to the Daily Graphic said they had lost virtually all their animals to the disease.

An affected farmer, Samuel Azumah, said he lost about 20 pigs in the past week, adding that the animals continued to die each day without showing any major symptoms.

“In 2023, I lost many pigs, and I have not fully recovered from that loss.

Currently, I am helpless because I don’t know how to prevent the animals from dying,” he lamented.

Another pig farmer, Diana Salifu, who has also been hit harder by the outbreak, appealed to authorities to as a matter of urgency come to their aid to help alleviate their plight.

African Swine Fever is transmitted through direct contact with infected pigs, contaminated feed and water, and vectors such as ticks and flies.

Its outbreak can be controlled through disinfection and quarantine measures.

The African sub-region is particularly vulnerable to African Swine Fever.

Writer’s email:mohammed.fugu@graphic.com.gh