South Africa confirms first outbreak of hog cholera since 1918
WORCESTER, South Africa (AP) – Agriculture officials yesterday confirmed South Africa’s first outbreak of hog cholera since 1918.
The disease, also known as classical swine fever, has killed 700 pigs on two farms in just over a week in the Worcester area of the Western Cape, Department of Agriculture spokesman Steve Galane said.
The affected farms were placed under quarantine for six weeks, and agriculture officials have culled 1,202 more pigs, he said. International exports from the Western Cape have been suspended until authorities are satisfied the outbreak has been brought under control.
No sign of the disease has been detected anywhere else in the country, Galane said.
Hog cholera is caused by a virus and spread through waste or saliva. It can kill an animal in a matter of weeks, but poses no threat to humans, Galane said.
Samples were sent to a British laboratory to confirm the nature of the outbreak, and investigations continue to determine its source.
The pig industry contributes about two billion rands (US$302 million; euro250 million) a year to South Africa’s economy, according to the South African Pork Producers Organisation.
