By CHILA NAMAIKO –

GOVERNMENT has with immediate effect lifted the recent ban on the movement of pigs and pork products in Southern Province.

In December last year, Government banned the movement of pigs and pork products from Southern Province to prevent further spread of African Swine Flu (ASF) following some pigs which were affected by the disease and subsequently slaughtered in areas such as Lusaka.

Provincial Veterinary Officer (PVO) Charles Maseka said in an
interview yesterday that the ban on the movement of pigs and pork
products was lifted last week.

“I can confirm that the ban on movement of pigs and pork products has been lifted in the province but we are still monitoring the situation to ensure the disease is totally eradicated,” he said.

Swine flu is a highly contagious viral disease that could kill about 100 per cent of the affected pigs.

In Zambia, this is the third time the disease has broken out in the recent years with the latest outbreak being recorded in 2004.

Dr Maseka said that 11 pigs tested positive to ASF in Kalomo District and were disposed off while 700 samples were collected for testing in the same area including Kazungula District.

He appealed to the farmers in the province to always report to their respective District Veterinary Offices on any suspicious diseases that attack not only pigs but other livestock as well.

Dr Maseka commended the farmers and other stakeholders for their cooperation to enable the veterinary department in the province contain the further outbreak of Swine Flu disease.

He, however, called on the farmers rearing pigs and pig product traders to always seek audience with district veterinary offices to access necessary stock movement permits.

Dr Maseka said the movement of livestock without a permit was an offence and that the department with other relevant authorities would continue mounting check points to ensure compliance.