ASF outbreak in Ghana: local pork industry at risk

An outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Ghana’s Savannah Region is threatening the future of the local pork industry. Farmers in the affected areas, near the regional capital Damongo, have reported substantial losses, with hundreds of pigs killed by the disease. Many have slaughtered and buried infected animals to contain the outbreak. Others are considering leaving pig farming temporarily due to the losses. Without intervention, the economic impact of the disease could have severe consequences for the region’s livestock industry.
Veterinarians have urged farmers to implement strict biosecurity measures, including disinfecting equipment and wearing protective clothing. Authorities also have recommended adopting intensive farming methods to curb the outbreak. ASF has no vaccine, making prevention and containment the only effective approaches against the disease. This is not the first ASF outbreak in the Savannah Region, which has experienced recurring bouts of the disease in past years. For this reason, the local pig farming sector faces an uncertain future. Authorities and veterinary experts are pushing for improved monitoring, early detection, and better biosecurity infrastructure to prevent new outbreaks and protect the farmers’ livelihoods.