Swine fever threatens Belize

BELMOPAN, Belize, CMC – Agriculture officials say they are implementing emergency measures aimed at preventing the introduction and spread of the deadly classical swine fever, following an outbreak of the virus in neighbouring Guatemala.



The Belize Agricultural Health Authority and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries said classical swine fever affects pigs and “has affected almost the entire country of Guatemala, which has led to the disposal of over 7,000 pigs.



High fever is often the first sign of the virus, followed by depression, weakness, anorexia, conjunctivitis. Constipation may be followed by diarrhoea or vomiting. There may be purple discoloration of abdominal skin.



Researchers say there is a high mortality of acutely affected pigs, usually within a week of initial signs.



The agriculture officials said that while Belize has not reported any case of the disease, efforts are being made to prevent its introduction and spread and the public should notify them “of any unusual health problems in pigs”.



They said the measures include public awareness programmes, 24-hour inspection at the Western Border with Melchor De Mncos in Guatemala and the prohibition of the importation of live pigs and pork products from Guatemala.



“The public has been advised not to feed table scraps containing meat to pigs. Pig farmers have been asked not to feed meat and other waste from slaughtering plants to their pigs and not to allow dirty trucks into their farms.”