African Swine Fever

NAQIA appeals for release of African Swine Fever funds

The National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA), while waiting for the funding, has already spent over K2 million to manage the disease in Southern Highlands Province.

Managing director, Joel Alu, painted a bleak picture of the highly contagious, haemorrhagic viral disease of domestic and wild pigs that is affecting the highlands region.

NAQIA officers in Mendi

NAQIA Managing Director Joel Alu said the team left for Mendi last Wednesday.

Mr Alu confirmed that 15 animal officers from NAQIA are currently in Mendi, Southern Highland Province, to investigate and establish preventative measures to try to contain the outbreak of the African swine fever in the Highlands region.

The African swine fever outbreak was first reported on March 29, 2020.

However, Alu explained that the scientists delayed their travel to Mendi because of the lockdown period.