An outbreak of African swine fever in Arua has killed at least 90 pigs according to the district authorities.
Dr Gordon Toa, the district Veterinary Officer told Uganda Radio Network on Tuesday that the disease was first detected in December 2011 in the sub counties of Adumi in Ayivu and Biliaffe in Terego County.
Toa, however, disclosed that fresh reports received on Friday last week revealed that the epidemic had spread to Odupi and Manibe Sub Counties.
According to Toa, temporary quarantine measures have already been put in place and a ban has been imposed on the sale and consumption of pork in the affected areas.
The ban followed a report confirming that the disease is indeed the dreaded African swine fever, issued by a team of veterinary laboratory technicians from Makerere University in collaboration with Swedish Agriculture and forestry experts.
Toa says they suspect that somebody could have moved an infected pig from Adjumani or Moyo districts where the outbreak was registered in August 2011 to Arua.
He explained that an infected pig shows signs of high fever, loss of appetite, and laboured breathing. After two or three days, the animal is forced to lie down after it developing paralysis in the legs. Toa adds that the epidemic has severe impact by killing pigs in large numbers.
African swine fever, Toa explained, is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through contact with an affected pig, warning that necessary measures should be taken to check the movement of persons who have been in contact with the infected animals.
He advised people to avoid consumption of pork from joints that they are not sure of, especially in areas neighbouring the affected sub counties. Ends
