GABORONE, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The Botswana government said on Tuesday it has imposed a ban on the importation of live pigs and its fresh products following an outbreak of the African Swine Fever reported in South Africa.
The Department of Veterinary Services of Agricultural Development and Food Security Ministry has advised farmers and the general public that importation of live pigs has been banned following an outbreak of the African Swine Fever that has been reported in South Africa.
According to a statement released by the department on Tuesday, due to the outbreak of the highly contagious disease that affects both domestic and wild pigs, there would be no importation of live pigs and its fresh products.
"The ban of live pigs and fresh products from South Africa has been introduced and farmers are advised to contain their pigs in pigsties and report any ill or dead pigs both domestic and free range," said the statement.
The African Swine Fever is a highly contagious disease of domesticated and wild pigs, which was responsible for serious economic and production losses in many countries.
