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30 pigs destined for Lusaka impounded in Choma
Choma, January 9th, 2013, ZANIS — Government has impounded 30 pigs destined from Kalomo to Lusaka following the ban on the movement of pigs in Southern Province.
Choma district veterinary officer Alex Hachangu confirmed the development in an exclusive interview in Choma today.
Dr. Hachangu said government through the Agriculture and Livestock ministry in Choma impounded the pigs following an outbreak of the African Swine fever in Kalomo two weeks ago.
He noted that experts from Lusaka where called to investigate the outbreak of the disease in Kalomo two weeks ago and confirmed African Swine fever positive cases.
Dr. Hachangu told journalists that the animals have since been quarantined in Choma saying the animals’ samples have since been sent to Lusaka to test for African Swine fever.
He was however quick to note that his office is waiting for directives from superiors in Lusaka concerning the fate of the impounded pigs.
Dr. Hachangu stated that his department of Veterinary has carried out massive awareness campaigns on the ban for the movement of pigs.
‘’We have sensitized farmers and traders about the importance of the ban but traders have chosen to ignore the ban,’’ he said.
Dr. Hachangu said traders where the ones who were flouting the law as they are involved in the movement of pigs from Kalomo through Chikanta and Macha transporting the pigs to Lusaka using calculated means to elude veterinary authorities.
He called on farmers and traders to exercise patience as the ban is temporal and has been done in their best interest.
Dr. Hachangu clarified that the ban will be lifted once the situation normalizes and both farmers and traders will be at liberty to move their animals.
The pigs impounded are female while 7 are male and will remain quarantined in Choma until the ministry of agriculture and livestock in Lusaka issue directives on how to deal with them.
African Swine fever is a disease of national economical importance and a ban is supposed to be effected once there is an outbreak.
