South Africa calls for swift reporting of suspected ASF

South African animal health experts are urging pig farmers to report suspected African swine fever (ASF) immediately rather than conceal cases because of fears of losing animals, facing movement restrictions or damaging their reputation. ASF is a controlled animal disease under the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984), making it a legal responsibility for pig owners to notify veterinary authorities when infection is suspected. Early reporting enables authorities to introduce measures such as quarantine, movement controls and targeted surveillance to limit the spread.
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‎Farmers are advised not to wait for laboratory confirmation before reporting. Once ASF is suspected, sick pigs should be isolated, movement between pig houses and off the farm should stop, and contact between affected and healthy animals should be prevented. Restricting the movement of pigs, vehicles, equipment and manure quickly is particularly important because uncontrolled livestock movements can accelerate outbreaks and lead to prolonged regional quarantines lasting 12 to 18 months.
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‎Prompt reporting can also help protect the economic value of affected farms and reduce wider losses. Experts stress that an outbreak on one farm can spread to neighbouring holdings, communities and the wider pork industry. Alongside early reporting, farmers should maintain strong biosecurity by sourcing traceable pigs, quarantining new stock for 28 days, separating domestic pigs from wild suids, controlling farm access, using dedicated protective clothing and avoiding untreated swill containing pork products.
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‎Effective sanitation and daily monitoring are equally important. Farms should first remove manure and other organic material before applying approved disinfectants at the correct concentration and contact time, while thorough drying is encouraged where practical. Farmers should monitor pigs daily for reduced feed or water intake, lethargy, weakness, fever, skin discolouration, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained deaths, as early detection and immediate reporting provide the best opportunity to contain ASF and protect South Africa’s pig industry.