By Marion Achieng

A virulent pig killer has been sweeping Kenya since March this year with farmers claiming it is African Swine Fever, without proof, while the Veterinary Directorate has failed to yet get results from tests that can take just 10 minutes.

Veterinarian Samuel Maina from Kikuyu, Kiambu County, said thousands of pigs have died so far.

“I started hearing about sudden pig deaths in March 2026. There is a pig farming group I was following and farmers were posting photos of dead pigs from different locations like Kiambu, Thika, and Murang’a.”

Deaths have also been reported in Kakamega, and now widening areas.

“The sudden deaths and frequent reports from farmers are what is alarming,” said Samuel, who was part of field teams during the 2014 African Swine Fever outbreak.

The Veterinary Directorate collected samples for tests from Kakamega County, in early July, almost a month ago, following widespread pig deaths in Shinyalu and Ikolomani sub-counties, but has been unable to provide information on the results of the tests.

A field rapid test for African Swine Fever takes 10 to 30 minutes, while standard laboratory PCR processing takes 2 to 4 hours.

The directorate said: “While some laboratory tests can be completed within a few days, additional investigations may be needed before findings are officially confirmed.” 

It said it would provide information on the pig deaths as soon as laboratory results were available. 

However, on July 29th, the directorate stated there were no confirmed cases of African Swine Fever in the country. 

It further stated: “The Directorate of Veterinary Service is aware of reports of pig deaths in some areas, including Kakamega and Thika. At present, sudden deaths alone do not confirm the presence of African Swine Fever (ASF) or any other specific disease.”

“Farmers are at a loss. The problem is lack of information,” said Samuel.

The directorate has told farmers to wait until it issues information on the cause of the epidemic. 

It has been unable to advise FarmBizAfrica when that might be.

On June 24th, the directorate issued an alert on the symptoms of African Swine Fever and encouraged farmers to report any ailing animals, explaining that African Swine Fever has no cure or vaccine, but that early reporting can help protect pigs and neighbouring farms. 

According to the World Organization for Animal Health, African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs, whose mortality rate can reach 100%.  

It is not a danger to human health, but it has devastating effects on pig populations and the farming economy.

“Birds and even people can transfer African Swine Fever virus from sick animals to healthy ones. Some farmers do not have this information. That is why more education and awareness is needed among pig farmers,” said Samuel.  

 “The government needs to work on having an efficient, early alert system to protect the investment of farmers. Many farmers lack knowledge, which is a huge problem. Without proper information, they do not know what is happening, nor what to do,” he said.