(Date of previous outbreak of African swine fever in Tanzania reported to the OIE: February 2002).

Emergency report

Information received on 17 October 2003* from Dr Barnos W. Kimaryo, Director of Veterinary Service, Ministry of Water and Livestock Development, Dar es Salaam:

Report date: 24 September 2003*.

Nature of diagnosis: clinical and laboratory.

Date of initial detection of animal health incident: 18 August 2003.

Outbreaks (see map):

Before the occurrence of these outbreaks, continued active surveillance for the disease had revealed African swine fever (ASF) antibodies in April 2003 in the infected districts, although clinical signs were not observed.

Control measures:

- Neighbouring countries and the SADC⁽¹⁾ have been notified.

- Pig producers with affected pens have been asked to depopulate their pens and disinfect their premises.

- More intensive active surveillance has been instituted to verify the extent and severity of this outbreak in the affected and adjoining areas and to monitor progress of the disease.

- The quarantine notice proclaimed on 12 September 2001, whereby all swine and swine products’ movement into or out of the affected area was banned, has been reinforced.

- Public awareness campaigns have been started aimed at providing information on how to avoid facilitating further spread of the disease.

- Veterinary staff and Government administrators throughout the country have been placed on the alert to look out for clinical signs of this disease.

(1) SADC : Southern African Development Community

* Note by the OIE Animal Health Information Department: the report dated 24 September 2003 and sent to the OIE on 25 September 2003 did not reach the OIE. It was retransmitted on 17 October 2003.