African swine fever has slowed down pig business

Mary Kachepa-Pig Traders in Lusaka have called on stakeholders to help sensitize consumers that the African swine fever has ended because most customers are still skeptical.

A trader and member of the Small Livestock Association of Zambia NETAL SYANDENA says business is slow because there is currently low demand of pigs and pig products as most people are still not aware that the African Swine fever has been contained.

Another Trader RUTH ZIMBA has thanked government and the Veterinary department for acting swiftly to contain the African swine fever and allowing trade resume.

And a pig farmer CECILIA MWANDILA says the livestock disease has been eradicated and every animal is checked before it is taken to the point of sell.

And Small Livestock Association of Zambia Board Member CONFIDENCE CHATIKA has appealed to government to consider harmonizing the charges that pig farmers pay to get their animals to trading centers.

Mr. CHATIKA says the charges to check blood samples, get a permit and have veterinary officers to escort farmers to the point of sell are high.

Meanwhile PAUL CHUPA, a Pig farmer who lost 108 pigs to the African swine fever, has appealed for assistance to help him and others who lost the pigs get back to their business.

And in a separate interview Ministry of Livestock Deputy Director Veterinary Services GEOFFREY MUUKA said the Ministry is pleased that the farmers are following the measures that have been put in place to ensure that the disease does not reoccur.

Dr. MUUKA said government is aware that the cost to have a Veterinary officer escorting farmers is costly on the part of the farmers but all the charges are heavily subsidized.

He said the Ministry is currently registering pig farms which will bring an end to veterinary officers escorting farmers to points of sale as it will ensure that only tested pigs reach the selling points.