VILLIERSDORP – Theewaterskloof Municipality has issued an urgent outbreak alert after the Western Cape Department of Agriculture confirmed cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Villiersdorp, ordering the slaughter of all pigs in the area and banning all pig movements into and out of the town.
The municipality’s Public Safety sub-directorate posted a public information notice urging pig owners, residents and the wider public to comply with a strict set of containment measures.
Affected pigs must be slaughtered and buried on site and all pig camps, equipment, trucks and footwear must be thoroughly disinfected using approved products and correct procedures.
Movement restrictions are now in effect: no pigs may be transported into or out of Villiersdorp.
The municipality warned that illegal pig-keeping following the alert will not be tolerated and that enforcement action will be taken against anyone found unlawfully keeping infected animals.
Residents are urged to report suspicious pig-keeping, movement or signs of ASF, as well as any abandoned or dead pigs, immediately.
“If people cooperate, we can stop the spread,” the poster states, framing the effort as essential to protecting pigs, livelihoods and communities.
The municipality has set up two contact lines: 028 214 3300 during office hours and 0800 214 3300 after hours for reporting and assistance. No date for the outbreak was listed on the notice.
