The ban followed an outbreak of Classic African Swine Fever in the eastern and western Cape regions of South Africa, which has led to the culling of about 30,000 pigs. The swine fever is a highly contagious, fatal viral disease of animals in the pig family. There is neither treatment nor a vaccine for the deadly fever, though it is not harmful to humans.
Senn Foods, Botswana’s premier manufacturer of meat products has been affected by the outbreak. The company’s general manager, Otto Scholtz said they are busy looking for other alternative suppliers from the southern African region and abroad.
“We are talking to Namibia to import pork from Brazil through that country. We have also made urgent enquiries in Zambia and Kenya.”
Senn Foods processes bacon, ham, gammon and related foodstuff at their production workshops at Tlokweng and Francistown. “We are a bit concerned that we will not be able to meet the Christmas demand especially for gammon,” Scholtz said.
He indicated that they utilise about 350 pork carcasses a month, 60 percent of which are from their piggery, while the rest is sourced from local suppliers. Other major food outlets, such as supermarkets have been affected, particularly those that deal in South African brands like Enterprise and Escort.
Dr Moetapele Letshwenyo of the department of animal health and production in the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that the importation ban would hold until the South African veterinary authorities have brought the outbreak under control.
South Africa, which is a net importer of 23,000 tons of pork a year, had its previous swine fever outbreak in 1918.
