Namibia calls a halt to all imports of pork

THE Directorate of Veterinary Services yesterday slapped a ban on the import of pork and pork products to Namibia because of an outbreak of swine fever in the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa.

Importers will still be permitted to import pork from outside South Africa if a non-manipulation permit is issued by a South African veterinary official certifying that the product has not been tampered with and its condition and quality have not been compromised. Also known as hog cholera, the viral disease is highly contagious and usually found among domestic and wild pigs.In acute infections, morbidity and mortality can be as high as 90 per cent.The disease does not affect humans.The Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, Cleopas Bamhare, told The Namibian yesterday that Namibia would take its cue from South Africa on how long the ban would remain in place.He said his department had been in regular contact with South African authorities since last week, when South Africa said they had the situation under control.At the time the outbreak had extended only to a few farms in the Western Cape.The main areas affected by the outbreak are Queenstown, Cookhouse and the Mnquma-Mbashe municipality in the Eastern Cape.Farmers in the Eastern Cape started culling their pigs last week after the first sign of the disease three weeks ago.In June, the Western Cape also experienced an outbreak of swine fever.In a statement issued by Chief Veterinary Officer Otto Hubschle yesterday, he said all import permits issued before the ban would be cancelled immediately.Namibia is currently free of the disease and Hubschle said measures were being taken to protect the local pig population.Pigs usually contract the disease by eating contaminated garbage, but it can also be spread by insects.Pigs carrying the disease usually display signs of intermittent fever, constipation or diarrhoea, unsteady gait and purple discolouration of ears, abdomen and inner thighs.Farmers who have recently imported animals from South Africa are advised to keep a close watch on their herds and to report any suspicious symptoms to the nearest state veterinarian.More information on swine fever can be obtained from State veterinarians.Also known as hog cholera, the viral disease is highly contagious and usually found among domestic and wild pigs.In acute infections, morbidity and mortality can be as high as 90 per cent.The disease does not affect humans.The Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, Cleopas Bamhare, told The Namibian yesterday that Namibia would take its cue from South Africa on how long the ban would remain in place.He said his department had been in regular contact with South African authorities since last week, when South Africa said they had the situation under control.At the time the outbreak had extended only to a few farms in the Western Cape.The main areas affected by the outbreak are Queenstown, Cookhouse and the Mnquma-Mbashe municipality in the Eastern Cape. Farmers in the Eastern Cape started culling their pigs last week after the first sign of the disease three weeks ago.In June, the Western Cape also experienced an outbreak of swine fever.In a statement issued by Chief Veterinary Officer Otto Hubschle yesterday, he said all import permits issued before the ban would be cancelled immediately.Namibia is currently free of the disease and Hubschle said measures were being taken to protect the local pig population.Pigs usually contract the disease by eating contaminated garbage, but it can also be spread by insects.Pigs carrying the disease usually display signs of intermittent fever, constipation or diarrhoea, unsteady gait and purple discolouration of ears, abdomen and inner thighs.Farmers who have recently imported animals from South Africa are advised to keep a close watch on their herds and to report any suspicious symptoms to the nearest state veterinarian.More information on swine fever can be obtained from State veterinarians.