Suspected African swine fever worries Kalomo farmers

Farmers in Kalomo District of Southern Province have called on the Department of Animal Health and Livestock to thoroughly investigate a suspected African swine fever that is allegedly killing the domestic animals in numbers in various agriculture camps in the district.

This follows reports of the disease by Community Livestock Auxiliary Official, Maxmilan Ngandu, of Siachitema camp.

Mr. Ngandu indicated in a report that pigs are dying in numbers owing to the mysterious disease, which is threatening the stocks of animals.

The report was also echoed by civic leaders at a full council meeting early this week.

However, District Veterinary Officer, Wilfred Chapabuku, said out of the samples taken from the dead carcasses, laboratory test results show that there are no signs of African swine fever as suspected by the farmers.

He has stated that a further investigation will be carried out as the neighbouring Choma district has recorded some African swine fever cases.