By Unzimai Stephen

Moyo

Pig farmers in Moyo district have been cautioned to continue following the set terms and conditions of the quarantine for pig business in the district due to the African swine fever (ASF) disease. This follows reports of some farmers slaughtering their pigs amidst continuous death of pigs in many parts of the district.
African swine fever is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs which is not a danger to human health, but it has devastating effects on pig populations and the farming economy.

Anguyo Richard, a veterinary doctor working with Moyo district local government emphasized that there are still cases of African swine fever disease in the district. He reveals that more pigs continue to die in some sub counties especially Aluru, Moyo, Metu and also in Moyo town council that is why quarantine cannot yet be lifted. Anguyo advice farmers to be patient and continue following the set terms and conditions of the quarantine so that the disease (African swine fever) is prevented in the district and people get back for their normal business of rearing pigs. Through various stakeholders moyo district has been ensuring business related to pigs stands still to allow the disease is chased out of the district but Ajio Esther, a pig farmer in Aluru sub county where the African swine has been heavily reported said they now run out of fund to take care of their pigs because they are not generating income out of the pigs and there taking a lot in terms of feeding treatments. So she appeal for the authorities to device other means of controlling the disease than hand tying them together with their income generating activity.

However, Akule George, Moyo District veterinary officer says it is only the central government who can lift off the quarantine but not the district authority. He said what they can do is to only give recommendation on the level of adherence and control of the disease.
In Moyo district, pig business has been under quarantine since 17^th of October last year due to the outbreak of the African swine fever. There is currently no effective vaccine against ASF.