By Alicia Chamely
LOCAL pork remains safe to eat despite the confirmed case of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) at a single pig farm, says the Ministry of Land, Agriculture and Fisheries (MLAF).
In a media release on Tuesday, the Ministry sought to address concerns raised about consuming local pork, saying “PRRS is a contagious viral disease that affects pigs but poses no risk to human health. Pork remains safe for consumption and there is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted to people.”
MLAF said upon the confirmation that the virus was present, it activated its national emergency response plan to contain the outbreak and not endanger the local pork industry.
Currently, the MLAF noted, the ministry’s policy was focused on disease eradication.
They stated a plan was currently underway to humanely depopulate the infected animals and safely dispose of the carcasses.
MLAF said, “The planned depopulation exercise will involve the humane slaughter of all pigs on the affected farm. This operation is being coordinated by the Ministry in consultation with relevant authorities and agencies to ensure that it is carried out in accordance with internationally accepted animal welfare standards. The rate and timing of depopulation will depend on the availability and suitability of a disposal site for the carcasses.”
The ministry stated they were in the process of finding a suitable disposal site for the animals, as on-site burial was not an option.
MLAF said to ensure the outbreak does not become an epidemic, they had intensified national surveillance efforts to monitor the health status of the country’s swine population. Adding to date 345 diagnostic samples had been collected from 36 pig farms.
The ministry said they were developing a long-term strategy to ensure the sustainability of the pork industry. Initiatives under this strategy included “reviewing protocols for the importation of live animals and genetic material, exploring the feasibility of PRRS vaccination or eradication programmes and promoting sustainable herd health initiatives to build greater resilience within the pork industry.”
Commenting on the situation, Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Lisa Musai said, “Our team has been working diligently to contain the outbreak and support the affected farmer while ensuring the safety of the national pork supply. We are guided by science, international best practice and a strong commitment to protecting both animal health and public confidence in the sector.”
MLAF has asked the public to report any suspected cases of PRRS via their hotline at 280-7945.
