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The discovery of dozens of dead pigs in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape of South Africa, has heightened concerns about biosecurity and disease control in peri-urban communities.
Veterinary authorities suspect an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF), a highly contagious disease affecting pigs, following reports of mortalities in Sherwood, KwaNobuhle and Despatch.
Samples collected from affected animals have been submitted for laboratory testing, with Nelson Mandela Bay currently the only municipality in the province reporting cases linked to the suspected outbreak.
According to the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture, free-roaming pigs present a significant disease risk because they can contract ASF from infected warthogs and soft ticks before spreading it to domestic pig populations. In addition to disease transmission, roaming livestock can create road safety hazards and contribute to the spread of other animal diseases.
To contain the spread of ASF, experts are urging stronger biosecurity measures, including keeping pigs in secure enclosures, restricting the movement of pigs and pork products during outbreaks, and ensuring that food waste is properly boiled before being fed to animals.
The Eastern Cape veterinary services have also reaffirmed their preparedness to respond, with additional veterinarians and animal health technicians expected to strengthen disease surveillance and control efforts from June 2026.
While the outbreak has renewed concerns about disease management, experts maintain that long-term success will depend on practical, affordable and community-supported interventions that balance effective biosecurity with the realities faced by small-scale pig own.
May 26, 2026/South Africa/Gqeberha
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