Rwanda has suspended pig movement and trade in the districts of Bugesera and Rusizi following an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), a highly contagious viral disease that has already killed 61 pigs.
The quarantine was announced on April 10 by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) as part of urgent efforts to prevent the virus from spreading to other parts of the country.
According to RAB, seven pigs died in Bugesera, while 54 deaths were recorded in Rusizi, prompting an immediate ban on transporting pigs from the affected districts.
Dr. Ndayisenga Fabrice, head of livestock production and animal disease control at RAB, said the restrictions were necessary because ASF spreads rapidly, has no known cure or vaccine, and can devastate pig populations in a short time.
“African Swine Fever is one of the most dangerous livestock diseases because of how quickly it spreads and kills. Restricting pig movement in affected areas is the most effective way to stop further transmission and protect farmers in the rest of the country,” Dr. Ndayisenga said.
He said slaughter activities in licensed abattoirs would continue, but only for pigs sourced from unaffected areas.
Pigs from Bugesera and Rusizi will not be allowed to leave the quarantine zones until veterinary authorities confirm the outbreak is fully contained.
Although ASF does not infect humans, officials warned that handling or transporting infected pigs could spread the virus to healthy herds elsewhere, threatening farmers’ livelihoods and the wider livestock sector.
RAB said it hopes to contain the outbreak within a month, provided farmers strictly follow biosecurity guidelines.
Farmers have been urged to strengthen hygiene on their farms by disinfecting footwear and equipment, limiting visitors, and avoiding the use of restaurant leftovers as pig feed, as such waste may carry contamination.
African Swine Fever affects both domestic and wild pigs. Common symptoms include high fever above 40°C, loss of appetite, weakness, difficulty walking, trembling, and reddish discoloration on the head, belly, legs, and other parts of the body.
The quarantine will remain in place until veterinary teams determine that the virus is no longer circulating in the affected districts.
- By
Andrew Shyaka
