Pork production is threatened by another outbreak of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), better known as blue-ear disease. Dr Gininda Msiza, chief director of veterinary services in the Western Cape, said this outbreak appeared less virulent than the American strain that caused major financial losses in 2004. Yet pork producers fear the disease might spread and decimate production.
Mike Heramb, chairperson of the Cape Pork Producers’ Association, said the outbreak was a huge threat to commercial and emerging farmers as the disease affects animals’ reproduction and health. The association had worked to uplift emerging farmers and Heramb feared all progress might be lost. H eramb believed small-scale farmers were responsible for the outbreak, as was the case in 2004. “problem is that many of these farmers don’t follow any protocols,” he said. “Some of them buy and sell pigs among themselves, slaughter their own animals and provide food that isn’t up to scratch.” Msiza, however, cautioned that “we have no idea what caused this outbreak.
The previous outbreak was attributed to emerging farmers feeding their animals ship waste or other waste products. This time it’s primarily commercial farmers who are affected. They have much better control and dietary programmes, so it’s very difficult to identify the exact cause of the outbreak.” T he first incidence of the disease was detected in Klapmuts in the Western in August. An intensive serological investigation has been under way since then to determine the spread of the condition. There appear to be virtually no physical signs of the disease in pigs at present, but blood tests have found more than 20 farms in the Boland, Malmesbury and Worcester areas with a total of almost 8 000 pigs infected. he disease has been identified as a European strain of PRRS. All infected and suspect farms have been placed under quarantine and the movement of pigs from these farms has been banned. Red cross permits are being issued for all other pig movements and farmers were requested to apply for these at their local state veterinary offices. Pigs testing positive for the disease will be slaughtered by local abattoirs without compensation from the state, as the disease appears to pose no risk to people and does not render meat unsuitable for human consumption. According to Heramb, the South African Pork Producers’ Association intended to help compensate farmers for their losses. – Glenneis Erasmus
