Gauteng Pork Industry Struck by ASF Outbreaks, Economic Losses Top R10 Million Johannesburg, South Africa – Since November 2025, the Gauteng pork industry has been addressing the severe impact of African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks.
The disease, which poses no risk to humans but is devastating to pig farming, has led to the culling of nearly 60,000 pigs, incurring an estimated R10 million in costs for affected farmers.
The first ASF outbreak was reported in the City of Tshwane in November 2025. Since then, a total of seven outbreaks have been confirmed, affecting both commercial and smaller-scale farming operations.
The Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has reported that 69,171 pigs have been impacted by the disease, with approximately 60,000 culled to prevent further spread.
The South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO) has been actively involved in the response efforts, working on revising protocols to better suit the pig industry and dealing with the immediate costs of culling and carcass disposal. SAPPO has incurred an estimated R10 million in costs related to these efforts, excluding the direct financial losses reported by individual farmers.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for urgent action to save pig farming in Gauteng, highlighting the broader implications of the ASF outbreaks. DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Bronwynn Engelbrecht, has urged the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to present a comprehensive ASF response plan, including an outbreak map, regular public updates, and a thorough assessment of financial losses.
The ASF outbreaks have raised concerns about the broader preparedness of the province in dealing with animal health crises. Engelbrecht has called for the government to strengthen early warning systems, veterinary support, and disease surveillance to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.
As the Gauteng pork industry grapples with the devastating impact of ASF, the need for a coordinated and effective response from government and industry stakeholders is more pressing than ever. With the disease continuing to spread, the industry and its workers face an uncertain future, and the province must act swiftly to mitigate the economic and social impact of this crisis.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: enca
Source: Nokuthula Khanyile
