An outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) has struck Damongo, the capital of Ghana’s Savannah Region, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of pigs and causing widespread concern among local farmers. The virus, which has hit several communities, including Canteen, Attributu, Boroto, and Sori Number One, is continuing to spread despite efforts to contain it.
In response, farmers have resorted to drastic measures such as slaughtering and burying infected pigs, as well as properly disposing of those that have already perished. The ongoing epidemic marks a blow to an industry that is already reeling from the aftermath of a similar outbreak in 2023.
Many pig farmers, including Amatus Azuri, have expressed their frustration with the recurrent nature of the disease. “In the last outbreak, I lost thirty fully grown pigs. And as if that wasn’t enough, all forty of my piglets died as well. Now, just last week, four newly purchased pigs have also succumbed to the disease,” Azuri explained to MyJoyOnline.
The impact is not limited to financial losses but is also taking a toll on the long-term sustainability of pig farming in the region. Agnes Beyuo, another affected farmer, said she is considering abandoning the industry altogether. “Business is about profit, and sometimes losses are inevitable. But if this disease keeps recurring without any support, I may take a five-year break and reassess my future in pig farming,” she said.
The outbreak has drawn a response from local veterinary officials. Dr. Enouch Sarkodie-Addo, West Gonja Municipal Director of Veterinary Services, confirmed the presence of African Swine Fever in the affected areas. He emphasized the importance of biosecurity measures to curb the spread and recommended a shift from the semi-intensive farming systems, which dominate the region, to more controlled intensive farming operations.
“The key solution lies in stringent biosecurity practices and intensive farming,” Dr. Sarkodie-Addo said. “Unfortunately, no vaccine exists for ASF at this time, although research is ongoing.” He added that one of the key indicators of the disease is the sudden and unexplained death of pigs, a phenomenon that has raised alarm among farmers who have seen healthy animals perish unexpectedly.
As the outbreak continues to ravage local pig herds, the lack of a viable vaccine and the devastating impact on farmers threaten the viability of the industry in this region. The question now is whether long-term solutions, including government intervention and industry-wide reforms, can stem the tide of ASF before it claims even more livelihoods.
Source:TheDotNews