ZAMBIA— The outbreak of African Swine Fever in Chongwe district has cast a dark cloud over Zambia’s pork value chain, with over 500 pigs succumbing to the disease, causing significant setbacks in the sector.
The BuyZed Campaign has issued a plea to pig farmers, urging them to promptly report any unusual behavior observed in their animals to the nearest veterinary office.
Evans Ngoma, the Founder of the BuyZed Campaign, expressed his concerns during an interview with Money FM News.
He emphasized the devastating impact of the recent pig losses in Chongwe, highlighting the potential challenges ahead for the industry.
“To prevent future outbreaks of this magnitude, we urge all pig farmers across the country that as soon as they detect any unusual behaviors or symptoms in their pigs, they must immediately report to the nearest veterinary office,” Mr. Ngoma said.
The tragic situation in Chongwe, with over 500 pigs lost, is a significant setback.”
The outbreak has raised alarm within the pork value chain, threatening not only the livelihoods of pig farmers but also the growth prospects of the sector.
Many farmers face the grim possibility of returning to square one, particularly those without insurance coverage for their animals.
“Now, consider the plight of those farmers who did not have insurance for their animals; they are essentially starting from scratch. Achieving growth in the pig sector under these circumstances will be an immense challenge,” Mr. Ngoma emphasized.
African Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs. It can spread rapidly, posing a severe threat to the pig farming industry.
Timely reporting of suspected cases and swift intervention are critical in containing the disease’s spread.
The BuyZed Campaign’s appeal served as a crucial reminder of the importance of vigilance and early reporting among pig farmers to safeguard the pork value chain from further devastation.
Authorities and stakeholders are also urged to work together to implement effective measures to control and prevent the spread of African Swine Fever in Zambia.
The recent outbreak in Chongwe serves as a stark reminder of the need for proactive measures and collaboration to protect the nation’s pig farming industry, ensure food security, and support the livelihoods of countless pig farmers across the country.
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