Germain Nsanzimana, An as yet unidentified disease has killed more than 200 pigs in the Musanze district and disruptedmovement and consumption in some areas.

The case was being tracked in the Muko district of Songa’s cell, according to district officials. There, onFebruary 17, 38 of his 216 piglets, owned by local farmer Alex Uwamahoro, died of an unknown disease.

Locals say they are concerned that the number will increase. However, there is no additional informationon how many other pigs are infected or are currently showing symptoms.

Speaking to The New Times, Jean Ngendahayo, head of the Musanze District Agriculture and AnimalResources Department, said samples were being taken to further evaluate the bizarre disease. “There areno records of pigs dying unexpectedly in recent years,” he noted.

A ward statement released on February 20 in response to the incident called for the temporary closure ofbutcher shops and other places where pigs are slaughtered and consumed, a ban on the movement of pigs,and a ban on the movement of pigs to die in deep pits. He asked for the dumping of pigs suspected ofbeing infected. , practice good hygiene practices and avoid exchanging male pigs for breeding in the Muko,Kimoni, Muhoza, Rwaza and Busogo sectors.

“There is an unidentified disease that affects and kills pigs within four days of the onset of symptoms suchas high fever, anorexia, red lesions on the skin, shortness of breath and fatigue,” part of the statement said.

Jean-Paul Kwizera and Emmy Mbarushimana are Muhoza sector residents and pork enthusiasts, knownlocally as akabenzi.

Kwaizela is concerned that high demand will push prices higher, but he appreciates the sector’s decisionas a measure to curb the spread of the disease in the public interest. “I applaud the districts and affectedinstitutions for responding so quickly to this issue. ‘Akavenji’ is very edible,” added Elder Mubarsimana.

In the Musanze district, he has 23,000 pig farms with a total pig population of about 10,000.