Firm unveils Zambia's first pig disease control facility

Zambia’s first pig compartment facility which will provide a high level bio security safe zone for pig production has been unveiled by the Zambia Pig Genetics and Leopard Investments Company.

The compartment provides for the sale and export of pigs and pork products within Zambia and other countries.

The pig compartment launched is a process of creating bio security measures to provide a disease free zone, says Zambia Pig Genetics Director Carl Irwin.

Irwin said this was a milestone for the pig industry considering the constant threat of swine fever and foot and mouth in Zambia.

“The process has taken us over three years and we are now happy that this has been completed anfacid full certification has been given by the Ministry.

“The full certifications were received in December 2022 and will ensure that we follow the guidelines and protocols, which go with pig compartmentalisation,” he said at the launch of the facility on Monday in Lusaka.

Irwin encouraged other pig producers to follow the technical guidance, training, bio security measures and the implementation of the strict standard operating procedures required by the department of veterinary.

This, he said, would enable the pig industry to grow and become a major supplier of port products not only in Zambia, but also in the region.

At the same function, Agriculture and Fisheries Permanent Secretary Anna Songolo said Government supported the creation of zones and compartments as provided for the law for the purpose of facilitating trade even in the midist of disease outbreak.

Songolo said this was because disease outbreaks oftenly lead to restrictions in trade on animal and animal products both locally and internationally.

“I am especially relieved that the private sector, has finally stepped up and taken up this important challenge which promises a great future for the livestock sector in terms of trade even in the midist of disease outbreak.

“One of the important key issues in keeping livestock is the issue of disease control. Therefore, implementation of disease compartments becomes key. This landmark by the Zambian Pig Genetics is the first in our country and could not have come at a better time than this, ” she said.

She emphasised the need to increase production for household food security and generate surplus that Zambia could trade with neighbouring countries.

Songolo however acknowledged that Zambia could only trade if there was an assurance of safety from diseases saying “this is where compartments such as the Pig compartment at Zambia Pig Genetics come in.”