MEDIA RELEASE

EMBARGO: Immediate

DATE: 22 September 2025

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African Swine Fever Confirmed in Napier

The Cape Agulhas Municipality, in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture and State Veterinary Services, confirms a new outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Napier. This follows the earlier confirmed outbreak in Bredasdorp, where containment measures remain in place.

Laboratory testing by the State Veterinary Services has confirmed ASF after pig deaths were first reported in Napier on 5 September 2025. ASF poses no risk to human health, but it is highly contagious and often fatal to domestic and wild pigs.

Current Situation: Napier

Up to date we only have confirmed cases of ASF in the Engel Avenue pig encampments. No cases have been confirmed for the area in the vicinity of the primary school.

Total Napier deaths to date: 31

Remaining pig population: 261

Stats compiled from CAM Protection Services reports dated 22 September 2025.

Bredasdorp Update

Since the first outbreak in July 2025, a total of 1 027pigs have died in Bredasdorp. 2 pigs remain under strict monitoring and veterinary oversight.

Containment and Biosecurity Measures

Quarantine zones have been declared in both Bredasdorp and Napier.

Law Enforcement and Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) personnel are securing both sites.

Only pig owners and caretakers may access animals, under strict biosecurity protocols.

Carcasses are being disposed of at an environmentally approved site authorised by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. Veterinary inspections and monitoring continue daily.

Community Engagement

A public meeting for Napier pig farmers will be held shortly, where officials will provide updates and answer questions. Details will be communicated directly to affected farmers.

Public Cooperation Needed

Residents are reminded:

Do not move pigs between areas.

Do not buy or sell pigs across municipal boundaries.

Report any sick or dead pigs immediately.

Do not dump pig carcasses in open areas, rivers, or refuse sites.

To report sick or dead pigs, contact Cape Agulhas Municipality’s standby numbers: 028 425 5500 or 082 457 1774.

Reminder: Any breach of quarantine regulations is a criminal offence under the Animal Diseases Act and may lead to prosecution.

For media enquiries:

Mr. Gurswin Prins, Senior Communications Officer

Tel: 028 425 5500 │ Email: gurswinp@capeagulhas.gov.za

ENDS

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Issued by:

Hendrik Kröhn

Acting Municipal Manager

Cape Agulhas Municipality

P O Box 51

Bredasdorp

7280