The Acting Minister of Agriculture of the Western Cape, Mr. Pierre Uys has announced that the control of the outbreak of classical swine fever in pigs in the Hex River Valley and Worcester area has progressed very well. Following the confirmation and determination of the extent of the outbreak on 8 July 2005, the Directorate of Veterinary Services of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture has embarked upon an extensive eradication campaign in an attempt to contain and eliminate the disease within the Province before it could spread to the rest of South Africa.

This involved a complete movement ban and destruction and burial of pigs on affected and contact properties within the area. An estimated 1009 pigs died of the disease on the infected properties. To date a total of 1591 pigs of 97 owners were destroyed and buried and compensation paid at market related to the amount of R1,3 million.

Surveillance activities are continuing to ensure that pigs that might be carrying the disease are detected without delay. All infected holdings have been disinfected and inspected by Veterinary Services personnel. This process is almost complete but the minimum required disease-free period will remain in place until 30th September provided no further infection is detected. Mr. Uys made an urgent appeal to all stock owners in the area to cooperate and to ensure that officials of his Department are immediately notified of all suspect movements of pigs into and out of the area.

No movements of pigs may take place without a permit issued by the Department of Agriculture of the Western Cape. An embargo on the restocking of farms where pigs have been removed and destroyed remains in force until 30th September.

The Director of Veterinary Services of the Department of Agriculture, Dr. Gideon Brückner said that a national survey has also been launched by the National Department of Agriculture to detect if the disease is present in pigs elsewhere in the country. He expressed his appreciation for the excellent cooperation that was given by stock owners within the Hex River Valley as well as the support received from the Provincial Disaster Management Unit, the SAPS and the Provincial Traffic Department.

Dr Brückner once again urged farmers to apply strict bio-security on their properties and especially not to feed uncooked swill of doubtful or suspect origin to pigs. The movement of both humans and animals to and from holdings where animals are kept need also to be strictly controlled and monitored. This he said is important not only to prevent classical swine fever, but also to prevent the introduction of other foreign and unwanted animal diseases.