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Swine fever outbreak hits western Tanzania

Xinhua, February 26, 2017 Adjust font size:

The African swine fever (ASF) has broken out in the western Tanzania's district of Kalambo District, killing nearly 200 pigs, an official said Sunday.

Julieth Binyura, Kalambo District Commissioner, confirmed the outbreak of the deadly disease, saying villagers had been informed on the viral disease.

The disease, which has a high mortality rate in pigs, has caused panic in the area where pig farming has been a booming business.

Binyura said her office had banned pork business as well as transportation of live pigs in the district to contain the disease in the area, which is part of Rukwa Region bordering Zambia and Lake Tanganyika on its western side.

"We're now seizing all pigs, which are found roaming around streets as well as ensuring that all dead pigs are carefully buried," said Wilbrod Kansapa, livestock officer in Kalambo District.

Kansapa added that nearly 200 pigs died since the outbreak of the disease early this month and local communities had been informed of the dangers of eating pork from the infected animal.

Pig farming is a booming business in regions located in western Tanzania presently due to the high demand for pork in major cities like Dar es Salaam. Endit