In order to educate pig farmers, the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Lands and Environmental Affairs (Dardlea) organized an awareness program on the dangers of African Swine Fever (ASF) on Sunday July 10 in Wesselton , Ermelo.
According to Dardea, African swine fever is a highly contagious viral disease that causes deaths in the pig farming industry.
Department spokesman Zanele Shabangu said the fact that the virus causes death is why they decided to engage and educate pig farmers about it.
“These interactions provide farmers with the opportunity to engage in discussions with the presenters and ask questions seeking clarity.”
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Presentations on meat safety, pig barn management, animal branding, cattle rustling and African swine fever were given. “Farmers were advised on measures to prevent the spread of the disease, including early detection, implementation of strict biosecurity measures, quarantine and strict animal movement control.”
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Symptoms of African swine fever in pigs that farmers should watch out for include fever, restlessness, lack of appetite, red and/or blue skin, vomiting, bleeding and bloody diarrhea.
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