A suspected outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) has been reported in Savannah and Eastern Regions of Ghana, with samples from affected pigs sent to the laboratory for confirmation.
The Ghana Health Service (GHS) stated that it is closely monitoring the situation after pig farmers reported several livestock deaths over the past two weeks.
ASF is a highly contagious and deadly disease that spreads through direct contact with infected pigs, contaminated feed and water, and vectors such as ticks and flies. While not transmissible to humans, ASF can wipe out entire pig farms, causing severe economic losses.
Recall in 2023, a Kwahu Akwaboa pig farmer in the Kwahu West Municipality lost pigs worth millions of Ghana cedis to the disease. In September 2021, ASF was reported in seven pig farms in the Jaman North District, Bono Region, killing around 200 pigs.
Dr. Donald Joachim Darko, Bono Regional Director of Veterinary Services Department (VSD), described ASF as a highly contagious viral disease that can kill pigs within a week of infection, cause miscarriages in pregnant sows, and lead to the death of newborn piglets.
Authorities are expected to determine the next steps based on laboratory results, with potential quarantine and disinfection measures to control the outbreak.
© WAVN