0
Kakamega County in Kenya has issued a public alert over a suspected outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Shinyalu and Ikolomani sub-counties following reports of widespread pig deaths. Veterinary authorities have intensified disease surveillance and are collecting samples for laboratory testing after preliminary assessments indicated that the disease could be ASF.
The county reported that pigs of different ages and sexes have shown clinical signs consistent with ASF, including high fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, skin reddening, bluish discolouration of the ears and snout, respiratory distress, diarrhoea, abortions in pregnant sows and sudden death. Officials stressed that ASF is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic pigs and wild boar, capable of causing mortality rates of up to 100 per cent, with no effective treatment or vaccine currently available.
Although ASF does not infect humans, the county warned that it spreads rapidly through infected pigs, pork products and contaminated materials, posing a significant economic threat to pig producers. Farmers have therefore been urged to strengthen on-farm biosecurity, avoid unnecessary movement of pigs, promptly report suspected cases and ensure the safe disposal of dead animals under veterinary supervision. Consumers were also advised to buy pork only from outlets approved by veterinary and public health authorities.
As investigations continue, the county has stepped up farmer awareness campaigns and indicated that additional disease control measures, including movement restrictions and quarantine, may be introduced if necessary. Authorities have called on everyone involved in the pig value chain to cooperate with veterinary officials to help contain the suspected outbreak and protect the local pig industry.
July 10, 2026/Kakamega-Kenya/
https://peopledaily.digital/
