Giteranyi: an unidentified disease is decimating pigs

Residents in various villages in the district of Giteranyi in the province of Muyinga (northeastern Burundi) warn that pig farming is threatened. An as yet unidentified disease is decimating pigs. The district administration has just decided on a series of measures. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

The most affected villages are those of Gasenyi, Kabogo, Shoza, Rumandari, Kinanira and Kinyami. Residents speak of at least 200 pigs already dead.

“The animals are suffering from an acute fever of up to 41 degrees. They lack appetite and end up dying”, report breeders.

In response to the situation, the district administrator of Giteranyi has just announced a series of measures.

“From now on, there will be no more slaughtering of pigs in villages where the disease has been detected. It is forbidden to take a pig from one village to another, or from one house to another. In villages not yet affected, the slaughter will be regulated and this in the presence of a veterinarian. The slaughter will be done in the pigsties and the meat must be transported in a very secure way […]”, said Florida Nduwayezu in a press release.

Residents who fear the worst ask authorities in charge of breeding to closely monitor the situation. In a meeting with governors and provincial officials in charge of agriculture and animal husbandry in particular, Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca reminded them last Thursday that they must always ensure that domestic animals are vaccinated to “avoid devastating viral diseases”.