By: Peneyambeko Jonas
A total of 488 pigs have died in Okalongo Constituency, Omusati Region, leaving more than 59 pig farmers facing losses of livestock, income and investment.
The deaths are creating serious financial losses for small-scale farmers who depend on pig farming for household income, food and other basic needs.
While laboratory results have reportedly confirmed the presence of African Swine Fever Virus, farmers say they have not yet received an official veterinary public notification declaring an outbreak.
Rauna Tobias, who lost 31 pigs, told Eagle Media House that pig farming had been her main source of income for years.
She said she earned money by selling pork and piglets, which helped her support her family.
“I am very shocked because this has never happened before. I have never experienced a situation where five to 10 pigs can die in one day,” Tobias said.
She said her losses went beyond the value of the animals that died, as she had also spent money buying feed to keep the pigs.
“I made a great loss because apart from the pigs that died, the money I used to buy food to feed these pigs also went to waste. Where will I even find another good pig variety since I have not been left with anything?” she asked.
Another farmer, Elina Sakeus, lost 15 pigs. She said her pigs first stopped eating before showing abnormal behaviour and later developing more serious symptoms.
“They just started losing their appetite. They did not want to eat. Later, some started behaving abnormally, and then the bigger pigs started having nose bleeding. From there, they started dying,” Sakeus said.
Sakeus said she had experienced a similar problem years ago, but described the current losses as much worse.
For her, the pigs were not only livestock but also a source of income and household food.
“I am left with nothing, not even a piglet to restart with. That money from pig farming has been helping me for years. When we do not have meat at home, I could tell my grandchildren to slaughter one. But now I am not left with anything,” she said.
Farmer, Frans Moses, said the affected farmers had been dealing with sudden pig deaths since May, with different symptoms reported among the animals.
He said farmers had approached officials from the Ministry of Agriculture in the Omusati Region and Okalongo Constituency. Samples were collected for testing, but farmers said they had not received an official report explaining the situation.
Moses said rumours among farmers pointed to African Swine Fever, but stressed the need for clear information from veterinary authorities.
The economic impact is significant for farmers who have invested money in breeding stock, feed and animal care. For those who have lost their entire herds, restarting production will require new breeding animals and additional capital.
Moses also called for more practical training for farmers on pig production, disease prevention and early reporting of suspected outbreaks.
The farmers are now seeking clear information from veterinary authorities on the cause of the deaths and what measures should be taken to prevent further losses.
