Onandjamba farmers devastated as mystery outbreak kills 300 pigs

Omusati farmers have reported the death of more than 300 pigs in Onandjamba in the Okalongo constituency last month, which they attributed to an unknown disease outbreak.

Veterinary services officials in the region say no official reports of the outbreak have been made to their offices so far, but after being contacted for comment said an investigation will be launched.

Farmers told Ewi lyaNooli they are grappling with substantial losses and heightened concerns about their livelihoods.

"Many farmers have invested significantly in feed and vaccines to maintain their pigs for sale, yet they continue to suffer heavy losses, making it challenging to recover and start over," Frans Moses told Ewi lyaNooli.

He made an urgent plea to the veterinary services directorate to visit affected farmers, investigate the cause of the outbreak and provide guidance on how to protect their livestock.

Moses also warned that consumer perceptions could shift, with many customers potentially refraining from buying pork for fear that it is unsafe.

"This situation is detrimental to our market, and we need an immediate response,” he emphasised.

However, Dr Josephat Peter of the Directorate of Veterinary Services in Outapi said no formal reports of an outbreak had been made to his office. He said he planned to visit the affected areas to investigate the alleged outbreak and collect samples.

He urged farmers to report such cases immediately to help prevent further outbreaks.

“Under the law, all domestic pigs are required to be kept in enclosures to avoid contact with bush pigs that may carry diseases. I strongly advise all farmers to refrain from releasing their pigs,” Peter stressed.

He also warned farmers against slaughtering, selling or consuming sick pigs due to potential health risks.

Peter recalled an outbreak of African swine fever near Outapi in 2018, which was associated with interactions between domestic and bush pigs, and reiterated the importance of keeping pigs in proper enclosures.

Mounting losses

For numerous households in Onandjamba, pigs serve not only as livestock but also as a critical source of income for school expenses and essential needs.

Teopolina Moongela, an affected farmer, said her herd of 15 pigs has reportedly been reduced to three survivors.

She claimed the alleged outbreak started in Onandjamba town and subsequently spread to neighbouring villages.

“We have continually lost pigs, and it is endangering our livelihoods,” Moongela said.

She said farmers often release pigs from their enclosures after the harvest season to reduce feeding costs, and suspects the practice may be contributing to the spread of the disease.

“We are also concerned about how we will acquire piglets to rebuild our herds,” she added.

Moongela said while some villagers have burnt the carcasses, others have reportedly consumed the meat.

She described the symptoms of the illness: pigs experience a loss of appetite, weakness, and bleeding from the eyes, nose, and mouth. “A pig can succumb shortly after exhibiting these symptoms; it's not uncommon for four pigs to die in a single day,” she claimed.

Other farmers reported similar losses.

Ndatunga Hashoongo claimed they had lost 20 of their 22 pigs in just a month, while Mathias Johannes claimed 10 deaths, with the last one dying last week. Naemi Titus reported losing eight pigs.

Otittlie Wanayilonga, who lost three pigs, told Ewi she has used a home-made treatment consisting of boiled neem leaves and salt, which she believes has been helpful.