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Municipal authorities in Nelson Mandela Bay have acted quickly to contain an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) among pigs in the Grogro informal settlement in Sherwood, while assuring residents that the disease poses no risk to human health.
Environmental health officials were alerted on May 18, 2026 following reports of a large number of pig deaths in the settlement. Initial investigations suspected poisoning, but laboratory testing conducted in collaboration with State Veterinary Services later confirmed African swine fever as the cause.
In response, municipal environmental health teams and veterinary officials launched community awareness campaigns to educate residents and pig owners on animal containment, improved control measures and ways to prevent further transmission. Authorities also collected samples and safely removed and disposed of infected carcasses in line with health and environmental regulations.
Although ASF cannot infect humans, residents have been strongly advised not to consume meat from dead or infected pigs. The municipality said it will continue monitoring the situation closely in partnership with veterinary authorities to ensure the outbreak remains under control.
May 22, 2026/South Africa/
https://www.sanews.gov.za/
