Residents of Kisoro are in a somber mood after the District Veterinary department banned the movement of pigs, one of the most consumed animals, and their products following an outbreak of the highly contagious African Swine Fever.
According to Hebert Bubasha the Kisoro District Veterinary Officer, the disease has so far been confirmed Murora, Kanaba, Kirundo, and Bukimbiri sub-counties.
It was first noticed by farmers in Murora sub-county about two weeks ago before it spread to Kanaba, Kirundo, and Bukimbiri sub-counties.
Bubashaba says that his office has already registered more than 30 cases of deaths and that samples collected from the carcasses of the pigs all tested positive for African Swine fever.
He warns that in order to control the further spread of the disease, nobody is allowed to transport pigs and their products from the affected sub-counties.
Bubasha also advises farmers to report cases for management and immediately burry the carcasses of pigs succumbing to the disease, as well as restrict strangers from accessing their piggery units to avoid contamination.
Kisoro District LC 5 Chairperson Abel Bizimana, urged piggery farmers to abide by the directive or else the veterinary authorities will use force on them to comply with the help of security.
The fever spreads through contact with an infected pig, products, or body fluids. It presents itself with symptoms including loss of appetite and energy, vomiting, diarrhea, red or dark skin, particularly on the ears and snout, swollen red eyes, labored breathing and coughing, abortions, stillbirths, and weak litters.
Residents in the affected areas enjoy pork a lot, and the disease outbreak will affect their appetite too