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Six new outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) have been reported in three of South Africa’s nine provinces to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in November this year. According to the Department of Agriculture’s latest ASF report, two outbreaks were reported in Gauteng (Rand West City area), two in the Western Cape (Cape Town), and two in the Eastern Cape (one in Stutterheim and one in Engcobo).
These cases were confirmed by positive polymerase chain reaction tests on organ samples, sent to the Agricultural Research Council’s Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Transboundary Animal Disease laboratory.
During this period, no new outbreaks were reported in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Free State or Northern Cape. This brings the total number of active outbreaks nationwide to 62 open cases. Limpopo is the only province with no active outbreaks outside the legislated ASF-controlled area. Active cases are present in the Western Cape (7), Eastern Cape (19), Northern Cape (1), KwaZulu-Natal (1), Free State (14), Gauteng (3), Mpumalanga (7) and North West (10).
Case closures
Since the Department of Agriculture’s last report on 31 October, several outbreaks have been contained and the cases closed. In November this year, five outbreaks were closed with WOAH in Gauteng (three in Rand West City, two in Germiston, and one in Midvaal). During the month of November 2024. In the Eastern Cape, seven outbreaks were closed (five in Gqeberha and two in East London). Mpumalanga also closed seven outbreaks (one in Govan Mbeki and six in eMalahleni).
Control measures implemented
There still is no effective vaccination or treatment available for ASF in South Africa. Therefore, the Department of Agriculture’s control measures are based on quarantine and movement controls. Ongoing awareness campaigns highlight essential biosecurity measures to enable pig owners to prevent infection. These measures include:
- Confining pigs to prevent contact with free-roaming pigs or wildlife.
- Purchasing pigs directly from healthy herds.
- Feeding pigs safe, recommended feed.
- Prohibiting visitors from coming into contact with pigs.
- Washing hands before making contact with pigs and using clean clothes, shoes, equipment and vehicles that have not been in contact with other pigs.
- Disposing of infected pig carcasses responsibly to prevent further disease spread, in line with local environmental legislation.
Dr Mpho Maja, the Department of Agriculture’s director of animal health, confirmed that surveillance for ASF remains ongoing. “All movements of pigs from infected properties and areas, before and after diagnosis, are traced, and any suspect disease outbreaks are investigated. If suspect clinical signs are observed, samples are collected to verify the diagnosis.”
Dr Maja added that any suspected cases of ASF must be reported to the responsible state veterinary office for investigation, including any sudden increase in mortalities of unknown cause. – Susan Marais, Plaas Media
