R2m to combat blue-ear disease

The recent Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) or blue-ear disease outbreak in the Western Cape cost SA Pork Producers’ Organisation (Sappo) close to R2 million. The outbreak, which was discovered in August, affected 8 000 pigs, and Sappo and the Western Cape Pork Producers’ Association saw to the culling of 2 535 pigs. Some R567 450 was paid to producers and another R1,3 million was spent on transport, waste bins and disposal sites. The Department of Agriculture in the Western Cape promised to finance all or part of the costs. Meanwhile, in two villages in the Eastern Cape, 100 pigs have tested positive for a virus confirmed as the European strain. Sappo says it will meet the provincial veterinary department to discuss the steps to be taken. – Staff reporter