African Swine Fever Confirmed in Third Nigerian State

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African swine fever (ASF) continues to cause “very high morbidity and mortality” among Nigeria’s pig population, according to the latest report to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The agriculture ministry confirms that the ASF virus is in Ogun, the third state to be infected. The disease is suspected in two more states, with lab confirmation pending.
One week previously, cause of a sudden increase in pig illness and mortality rate that started in February was confirmed as ASF. Lab tests confirmed the presence of the ASF virus in the southern states of Lagos and Abia. Now, pig farmers say ASF has spread to many parts of Nigeria, reports Naija 247 News. Hundreds of thousands of pigs have already been culled. While ASF outbreaks have erupted periodically across Africa in recent years, farmers report the current situation is the worst so far. Over recent years, pig farming has gained in popularity in Nigeria. The same source cites data from the national veterinary agency that put the country’s pig population at more than 7 million. In 1984, the figure was around 2 million. Lack of accurate record-keeping by pig farmers had added to the challenges of controlling ASF. According to one veterinary researcher, ASF may have arrived in the country sometime last year. Information from the OIE indicates that ASF has been present among domestic and wild pigs in Nigeria for many years. Source: Feed Strategy

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