By Ashiadey Dotse
African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak has killed hundreds of pigs in Damongo, the capital of Ghana’s Savannah Region. Many pig farmers are struggling with heavy losses, as the disease spreads through several communities, including Canteen, Attributu, Boroto, and Sori Number One.
To stop the spread, farmers are burying sick pigs and properly disposing of dead ones. The outbreak is a big setback for farmers, who are still recovering from a previous ASF outbreak in 2023.
Several farmers have shared their struggles. Amatus Azuri, a local pig farmer, said he lost about 30 grown pigs and 40 piglets in the last outbreak. “Now, the four pigs I bought recently have all died,” he said. Another farmer, Agnes Beyuo, is considering quitting pig farming. “If this disease keeps coming back, I might take a five-year break and see if things improve,” she said.
The West Gonja Municipal Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Enoch Sarkodie-Addo, confirmed the outbreak and advised farmers to improve their biosecurity measures. “The best way to prevent ASF is through strict biosecurity and intensive farming, as there is no vaccine available yet,” he explained.
Dr. Sarkodie-Addo also noted that a key sign of the disease is sudden and unexpected deaths among pigs. “If pigs do not respond to treatment and start dying suddenly, it is a serious concern,” he added.
