The movement of pigs between Mozambique and Malawi is restricted in Tete Province due to an outbreak of swine fever affecting several districts in the neighboring country. The measure aims to halt the spread of the disease, considered highly contagious and lethal, thereby protecting the local livestock population.
The information was provided by Cláudio Gune, head of the Livestock Department at the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Fisheries in Tete, who urged the public to avoid purchasing animals from Malawi. As he explained, this is an essential preventive measure to reduce the risk of contamination.
According to Cláudio Gune, the decision is part of the authorities’ efforts to break a potential chain of disease transmission. The goal is to safeguard the province’s livestock, particularly in border areas, where there is greater movement of people and goods.
“This decision is part of the agricultural sector’s preventive measures to protect the province’s livestock, especially in border areas, where movement is more intense,” said Cláudio Gune, emphasizing the importance of strict compliance with the measures.
As part of these restrictions, the import and export of pork and pork products between Mozambique and Malawi are also temporarily prohibited. The measure is expected to remain in effect until the health situation is fully under control by the competent authorities.
Despite the outbreak in the neighboring country, Cláudio Gune assured that, to date, the province of Tete has not recorded any cases of the disease. Nevertheless, authorities stress the need to maintain close surveillance to prevent its introduction.
At the same time, awareness campaigns are underway among livestock farmers, aimed at discouraging the illegal purchase and transport of pigs from Malawi. Authorities warn that these practices pose a high risk of spreading the disease.
“We must avoid moving animals suspected of being infected from one place to another. This is an essential control measure, as it prevents areas still free of the disease from becoming contaminated, which would make controlling it much more difficult,” concluded Cláudio Gune.
Source: Agência de Informação de Moçambique (AIM)
