Avian Swine Flu outbreak: WC Agriculture Dept assures supermarket pork products safe to consume
On Sunday, the department confirmed that the virus was discovered last week from small farmers in remote areas of George.
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CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape Department of Agriculture assured consumers that pork products found in supermarkets were safe to consume, despite an African Swine Flu (ASF) outbreak.
On Sunday, the department confirmed that the virus was discovered last week by small farmers in remote areas of George.
ASF is a virus found in pigs, which does not affect humans or other animals, but there is no vaccination or treatment currently available for its prevention.
The department estimates that about 45 pigs have died from it to date, outlining that this was the fourth outbreak of the disease in the Garden Route since 2022.
"The area has been placed under quarantine, and community members have been urged to not remove any pigs or pig products from the area to prevent further spread of the disease," said State Veterinarian Dr Leana Janse van Rensburg.
"Good biosecurity measures remain the best way to protect the pig industry."