The municipality says that the local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has alerted it about pig farms that have mushroomed at Albany Township in Virginia.

The SPCA discovered that diseased pigs were being kept in the area. Residents are complaining of a stench from farms, where pig carcasses are being disposed of in the nearby open veld.

According to SABC News, Municipal spokesperson Phehelo Notshi says they have called a meeting with all stakeholders and have offered farmers training on pig farming.

Residents now fear that they might contract diseases from the illegal pig farming. Those farming pigs in in Albany Township do not have the means to care for them and it is feared that an epidemic is brewing in the area.

Up to 600 pigs were kept in pens barely able to accommodate them, without adequate food or water.

Last week the SPCA was compelled to put down 12 pigs. It says some pigs had broken limbs, they were suffering from parasites and have probably never been inoculated.

State veterinary services say anyone eating meat from these pigs could contract serious diseases.