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A devastating outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) has led to the death of 516 pigs in Zombo District, representing an 87.5% mortality rate compared to the previous year, according to the Q2 2024/25 District Veterinary Disease and Parasite Surveillance Report.
Key affected areas include Nyapea, Warr Town Council, Zeu, Padea Town Council, Alangi, Aka, and Athuma. In response, authorities have temporarily banned pork trading, exacerbating the economic strain on local farmers and traders.
ASF, a highly contagious and lethal viral disease in pigs (but not harmful to humans), spreads via contact with infected animals, contaminated surfaces, pork consumption, and soft ticks. Major contributors to the outbreak include illegal pork trading, porous borders with DRC, inadequate biosecurity, and traditional free-range pig farming practices.
District officials, including Jane Evalyne Othora and Denis Dongwa, emphasized the urgency of prompt reporting, producer education, and tight enforcement of biosecurity rules. Mike Joram Anyolitho called for accountability across the pork value chain.
ASF remains a notifiable disease under WOAH, posing serious threats to livestock, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods. While no vaccine is currently available, research is ongoing, with experimental vaccines under development.
Additional disease outbreaks reported:
- Newcastle disease: 2,694 poultry dead
- East Coast Fever: Over 60 cattle dead
- Anaplasmosis: 70 cattle dead
- Heartwater: 3 cattle dead
The Zombo outbreak underlines Uganda’s longstanding struggle with ASF, attributed to weak diagnostics, poor surveillance, and unchecked cross-border livestock movement. Authorities stress the need for collective action in disease surveillance, education, and regulation enforcement.
April 26th, 2025 https://ugreports.co.ug/
