Maputo — Following an outbreak of African swine fever, the agricultural authorities in Maputo province have banned the movement of pigs in the province, unless they have been inspected by veterinary staff and are issued with a transit licence.

The disease was detected in two locations in Marracuene district on 23 October, and in one case the presence of the African swine fever virus was confirmed by laboratory tests.

The instructions from the agricultural authorities include an order for the slaughter of all infected pigs and the incineration of their bodies.

A press release from the Maputo provincial government urged all pig farmers to step up bio-security measures on their farms. These include systematic washing of the pigsties, and restricted access to them, and the use of disinfectant at the entrances to the production units.

African swine fever causes fever, skin lesions, convulsions and infected animals usually die within 15 days.