African Swine Fever outbreak in Central African Republic
As its name suggests, African Swine Fever also continues to hamper swine production on the African continent. The Central African Republic reported an outbreak to the Animal Health Organization (OIE) on March 22.
The outbreak was reported in two villages in Ouham-Pende province, called Paoua and Bouzoum. In Paoua, of 4,554 pigs, a number of 4,509 pigs died – and the other 45 pigs were culled.
In Bozoum, on a total number of 4,640 pigs, 3,709 died as a consequence of the virus. The other 931 animals were also killed.
Total figures amounted to a total of 9,194 pigs being susceptible, of which 8,218 died as a consequence of ASF (89%) and the remainder, 976 head, were destroyed.
There are two more outbreaks in the region are currently being being investigated.
Introduction
The disease seems to have been introduced through two imported pigs already sick coming from a Chadian village bordering Betoko.
The date of the first confirmation of ASF was March 16, by the Pasteur Institute of Bangui, by using real-time PCR. First deaths, however, had already been reported on 28 February 2012 by farming groups rearing pigs. From February 29, a field epidemiological investigation was carried out and samples were collected. Other samples will be sent to the Laboratory of Dakar (Senegal).
In the whole country, there are now movement controls in place. Vaccination is not possible as vaccination against ASF does not exist.
This country’s previous report of ASF dates from December 31, 2010.
Related website:
• Animal Health Organization (OIE)
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