Blue-Ear Pigs Disease has been diagnosed on a pig farm on the Cape Flats, according to preliminary tests done at the Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Institute.
The Western Cape's minister of agriculture, Cobus Dowry, said on Friday that as far as could be ascertained only one farm appeared to be involved, but an investigation into the possible source and extent of the disease had been initiated.
"The disease will only be finally confirmed after the causative virus has been isolated," said Dowry.
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome has never being diagnosed in South Africa before. It occurs in Europe and the United States.
Abortion, premature farrowing, stillborn and mummified piglets, and respiratory disease with death loss and chronic poor performance of nursing and weaned pigs characterised the disease.
"Total quarantine and movement ban of pigs from the suspect infected farm has already been instituted," said Dowry.
"It is important to put the minds of the general public and all pig producers at ease, knowing there is minimal risk of other farms becoming infected - provided pig producers practise strict bio-security measures and be careful to buy pigs from sources of high health status only."
The national department of agriculture would notify the World Organisation of Animal Health of the suspected outbreak.
All pig veterinarians were urged to contact the State Veterinarian Boland, Dr Gary Buhrmann, at 021-808-5253 if they suspected outbreaks.
