African swine fever a viral disease that kills pigs has been reported to have broken out in northern Uganda. 12 sub-counties in Gulu district have so far reportedly to have already been hit by the disease.

It was first reported in odeki sub-county in july last year (2010) after killing more than 200 pigs. The Gulu vetinary doctor Dr. Tonny Aliro says the disease has since spread to the rest of the sub-counties of Lakwana, Bobi, Koro, Bongtira, Piicho, Awachi, Unyama, Ongako as well as peche, Lalo and padel divisions in Gulu municipality.

He says in Awachi sub-county a alone, records indicated that more than 50 pigs have so far died of the disease from May to date, adding that the disease which is highly contagious spreading rapidly through direct or indirect contact with the affected pig.

The veterinary doctor says the only remade is imposing a Keratin but adds that the local community have since refused to adhere the restrictions

He says the disease has also paused them to halt the procurement of pigs for NAADS program to prevent feature losses.

By Mugisa Isaac Mathias