Outbreak of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome in Western Cape

The Minister of Agriculture of the Western Cape, Mr. Cobus Dowry announced that tests done at Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Institute and the Foot and Mouth Disease Research Centre indicate the diagnosis of (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome) PRRS or commonly known as Blue-ear Disease of pigs, on several pig farms in the Boland, Malmesbury and Worcester areas of the Western Cape Province.

The first suspicion of the disease was detected on the 1st August 2007 on a farm in Klapmuts during routine serological monitoring of all pigs in the Province. Since then an intensive serological investigation has been underway to determine the extent of spread of the condition as there appears to be virtually no clinical manifestation of the disease in pigs at present. As far as can be ascertained, twenty one farms with approximately 8000 pigs appear to be involved at this stage. Further investigation as to the possible source and full extent of the disease continues by the Department of Veterinary Services, Animal Health.. The disease was also confirmed on 12th September 2007 as being the European strain of PRRS in samples sent to Wheybridge in the UK.

This viral disease has previously being diagnosed in South Africa with the PRRS outbreak in April 2004. In that instance it was the American strain of the disease and it would seem that it was successfully eradicated at that stage by the Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Services. However, this new outbreak with the European strain implies that there has unfortunately been a second incursion of the virus from overseas possibly from a completely different source.

Both strains occur in Europe and the United States of America but the former in this outbreak appears to be decidedly less virulent than the American strain which caused major losses of pigs in the Cape Metropol in 2004.

All positive and suspect farms have already been placed under quarantine and a movement ban of pigs from these farms has already been instituted. The existing issuing of red cross permits for all other pig movements is still in force and farmers are requested to continue applying for these from their local State Veterinary Office.

Mr. Dowry said that it is important to put the minds of the general public and all pig producers at ease, knowing there is minimal risk of other farms becoming infected, provided pig producers practice strict bio-security measures and be careful to only buy pigs from sources of high health status. The Chief Director of Veterinary Services, Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Dr Gininda Msiza, encourages all producers to contact their local State Veterinarian as soon as possible if their pigs have not yet been tested for PRRS.

The National Department has already notified the World Organisation of Animal Health (OIE) of the recent outbreak of the disease and will collaborate closely with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture in the further investigation and containment of the disease.

Dr. Msiza confirmed that serologically positive PRRS pigs would be slaughtered at local abattoirs, without any compensation from the State, as the disease poses no risk to people and is suitable for human consumption. The Department of Agriculture would oversee the whole process and provide funds for operational costs only. He also emphasized that SAPPO ( SA Pork Porducers Organization) would be integrally involved in assisting with the eradication of the disease.

Boland
Dr.G Bührmann
Tel: 021 808 5253

Malmesbury
Dr S Davey
Tel: 022 4821380

Worcester
Dr L Hon
Tel: 028 5141670

Elsenburg
Dr G Msiza
Chief Director Veterinary Services
Department of Agriculture
Western Cape Province
Tel: 021 808 5001

ENQUIRIES:

Alie van Jaarsveld
Spokesperson
Ministry of Agriculture: Western Cape
Tel: 021 483 4930
Fax: 021 483 3890
Cell: 084 604 6701
Email: avjaarsv@pgwc.gov.za

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