Plateau Pig Farmers Seek Government Support Over African Swine Fever Outbreak

Pig farmers in Plateau State have called on Governor Caleb Mutfwang to intervene following an outbreak of African Swine Fever that they say has killed thousands of pigs, shut down hundreds of farms and caused losses running into billions of naira. The appeal was made in an open letter, with farmers warning that the disease is threatening the state's pig farming industry.

Chief Executive Officer of Topnotch Pig Farms and Services and veterinary consultant with Saction Hub Limited, Joseph Yonkpa, said thousands of pigs have died, while both small and large pig farms have been affected. He added that the outbreak has disrupted pork production and forced many farmers out of business.

Yonkpa said panic sales have pushed pork prices below two thousand naira per kilogramme of carcass, while farmers are unable to restock because African Swine Fever has no approved cure or vaccine. He added that the outbreak is also threatening jobs across the livestock value chain.

The farmers urged the Plateau State Government to establish an Emergency Response Committee to assess the damage, provide technical support and biosecurity materials, and develop a recovery programme for affected farmers. They warned that a delayed response could worsen food security, increase unemployment and further affect the state's livestock sector.