KISORO: Pork on high demand despite ban on movement of pigs

 

Pork which many say it is the most delicious meat is on high demand in Kisoro town and other pork joints in Kisoro despite the ban on movement of pigs.

In August last year,  the Kisoro District Veterinary department  banned the movement of pigs and their products following an outbreak of the highly contagious African Swine Fever.

However people continued to sell pigs and pork illegally  because of high demand.

The Kisoro district veterinary officer Ngabo Herbert Bubasha could threaten to arrest people involved in selling pig products and pigs but since August no one was arrested despite several warnings

A research conducted by this reporters indicates that flied and roasted Pork is being sold at 14,000 shillings while fresh one at 12,000 shillings. Butcher men say that the prices were set by their bosses

African swine fever in Municipality.

Though many cases were first reported in Kanaba and Murora ,two suspected cases of African swine fever were also reported in Kamonyi Ward, Northern Division in Kisoro Municipality, according to the Municipal Veterinary officer Papius Manirakiza.

In August last year, African swine fever was confirmed in sub counties of Murora, Kanaba, Kirundo, Bukimbiri and Rubuguri town council.

By 17^th October 2021, over 250 pigs had been reported dead by the then district production officer who is now the district Veterinary officer (DVO) Dr. Ngabo Herbert.

Since then, no other updates have been given by the same office about the prevalence of the same disease.

According to the Kisoro Municipality Veterinary officer (MVO), Dr. Papius Manirakiza, a ban on movement of pigs and their products still stands and cases are expected in Kisoro Municipality after two pigs died mysteriously in Kamonyi Ward, northern Division.

He says that a follow up and disease surveillance is being conducted to establish the real cause of their death. He added that Pork businesses have continued illegally in Kisoro Municipality and arrangements to start enforcements are underway.

While asked about the current situation in the district, the Kisoro district Veterinary officer, Dr. Ngabo Bubasha said that he would not pre-empty what he prefers to speak during a talk show that he intends to have in the coming days. He however confirmed that the ban is still on.