A roaming pig in Concordia.
- EUSTATIUS–Slaughtering, importation and exportation of pigs and pig meat has been halted by St. Eustatius until further notice, due to an investigation into the recent death of pigs imported onto the island.
The Department of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry LVV supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality LNV, Dutch Chief Veterinarian Dr. C. Bruschke, international pig experts and Wageningen Bio-Veterinary Research are on the case.
A Saba farmer reported the death of some of Statia pigs due to an unknown cause(s) three weeks ago. LVV was unable to take samples as the carcasses were already decomposing. However, there are no signs that this regards a zoonotic disease, as no one who came into contact with the sick animals in Saba has become ill.
Blood samples and tissue samples from Saba and St. Eustatius were taken and sent to the Netherlands for testing as part of the investigation.
Farmers and pig owners are advised by authorities not to mix pigs from different farms. Livestock owners are also advised to avoid visiting other pig farms for the time being. If a visit is made, visitors must disinfect and change clothing and shoes before tending to their pigs, said Dr. Sharon Veira at St. Eustatius LVV.
The public is advised to report any sick-looking pigs with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, ataxia (not able to stand) to Veira, tel. +599-318-2683 or visit the LVV office.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/88081-pig-slaughtering-export-halted-in-st-eustatius
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