Rwanda imposes Pig trade ban amid African swine fever outbreak

Authorities in Rwanda have banned the trading and movement of pigs in the districts of Bugesera and Rusizi following an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF).
‎Although ASF does not infect humans, it spreads rapidly through contaminated clothing, equipment, transport and other materials, and currently has no vaccine or treatment.

‎The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), issue a restriction which took effect on April 10. So far, the outbreak has killed 60 pigs, 53 in Rusizi and seven in Bugesera, with around five new deaths reported daily.

‎As of April 13, 2026, seven sectors had been affected, including six in Rusizi and one in Bugesera. Nine farms have been impacted, with Rusizi identified as the epicentre of the outbreaks.

‎Authorities have urged farmers to strengthen biosecurity measures, avoid feeding pigs with food waste, promptly report unusual illnesses or deaths, and comply with movement restrictions while surveillance and control efforts.