Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland on Monday banned imports of live pigs from countries that test positive for African Swine Fever (ASF).
According to Roland Xolani Dlamini, director of veterinary and livestock services, current imports are solely done from slaughter houses and establishments in registered and supervised ASF-free zones.
“All imported pigs undergo a compulsory 30-day quarantine at the government quarantine station,” Dlamini said in a statement in the Swazi Observer.
The movement of domestic pigs between farmers will be strictly monitored, requiring a stock removal permit.
“Veterinary services are working on designing and implementing an identification and traceability system.”
According to agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo, Eswatini remains an important export market for South Africa.
In 2018, South Africa exported $1.08 million worth of live pigs – 5% to Eswatini.
The South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, last month announced that ASF had spread to a fourth province.
