Two outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) have been detected this month in two suburbs in the Southern Cape, according to the Western Cape agriculture department.
The first occurred among pigs in KwaNonqaba near Mossel Bay and the most recent in Thembalethu, George.
Pig farmers in the area have been issued with quarantine notices.
ASF is a contagious viral disease of both domestic and wild pigs.
It can spread from both live and dead pigs, pork products and from objects such as shoes, clothing, vehicles, knives and other equipment.
Preventing the spread of the disease entails ensuring proper containment to prevent the animals from roaming and by following strict hygiene routines, as well as cooking any meat products intended as pig food thoroughly before feeding the pigs.