Swine fever outbreak leaves over 1,000 pigs dead in Kiambu
More than 20 farms across Juja, Thika, and Ruiru have been hit by African swine fever.
African swine fever has caused over 1,000 pigs to die in Kiambu, according to the Directorate of Veterinary Services. Since mid-May, more than 20 farms in Juja, Thika, and Ruiru have been affected, with up to 100 percent mortality in some cases. The outbreak is the most severe reported in Kenya so far, highlighting weaknesses in the country's disease surveillance system.
The virus, Genotype IX, is highly infectious and spreads rapidly among pigs, with mortality rates reaching up to 70 percent. There is currently no effective treatment or commercially available vaccine for the virus, which mutates rapidly and makes it difficult to develop. Farmers are advised to limit contact with people, animals, vehicles, and equipment, properly handle food waste, and report unusual illness or sudden deaths in pigs to veterinary authorities.
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