Swine fever affected 600 pigs in South Africa

The Department of Agriculture of South Africa says it suspects that the current African swine fever outbreak could have come from neighbouring countries.

Outbreaks have been reported in the Free State and North West provinces. Over 600 pigs have been reported dead in Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Koffiefontein in the Free State.

In the North West more than 600 pigs died and a further 400 have been culled. Four farms have been quarantined in the Free State. Samples have been taken for testing on a fifth farm where there's a suspected outbreak. 

The disease is caused by a virus and symptoms in pigs include fever, followed by loss of appetite and ultimately death.

Farmers have been urged to take extra precaution, including not buying any pigs at auctions. The South African Pork Producers Organisation says the disease is usually spread by warthogs which are carriers of the virus.

The virus found in the latest outbreak appears to be a strain from Namibia.