Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has disclosed that as a result of the reoccurrence of African swine fever (ASF) in Chilanga and Lusaka districts, the department of veterinary services has instituted control measures which include the quarantine, slaughter of pigs and disinfection of piggeries that are infected with African swine fever.
In a statement released to Q fm news, Acting Director in the department of veterinary services Dr. Swithine Kabilika government will not compensate the farmers whose pigs will be slaughtered as a result of being infected with African swine fever in accordance with section 6 of the Animal Health Act no 27 of 2010 of the laws of Zambia.
Dr. Kabilika notes that as a result of the development, only pigs that have tested negative for African swine fever and issued with stock movement permit by the department of veterinary services will be allowed to be slaughtered at all designated abattoirs stressing that all abattoirs must comply with the law.
He has advised pig farmers to adhere to strict hygiene, disinfection, restricted entry of vehicles and people into piggeries in order to prevent their piggeries from becoming infected with ASF stressing that no person is allowed to move pigs and pig products from one area to another without veterinary clearance.
Dr. Kabilika adds that all pig farmers and the general public are obligated to report any suspected cases of ASF or any notifiabe disease.
He has further urged all pig farmers and stakeholders to cooperate and comply with the directive.