African swine fever outbreak in Western Cape

CAPE TOWN - Western Cape Agriculture is warning of a new outbreak of African swine fever.

It says the disease has been confirmed in livestock on the outskirts of Groeneweide Park, George.

This is the fourth outbreak of the disease in the Garden Route area since 2022.

Previously there had been outbreaks in KwaNonqaba and Mossel Bay in 2022 and 2023.

An outbreak in Thembalethu in 2022 remains a concern.

It's estimated about 45 pigs have died thus far with about 250 remaining in the area.

The area has been placed under quarantine and residents are urged to not remove any pigs or pork products.

ASF is a virus that affects pigs and there is no vaccination or treatment currently available.

It can not be transmitted to humans either through contact or consumption.