Kakamega issues African swine fever alert following suspected outbreak and widespread pig deaths
By Aloys Michael, July 10, 2026The Kakamega County Government has issued a public alert following a suspected outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Shinyalu and Ikolomani sub-counties after reports of widespread pig deaths, prompting heightened disease surveillance and calls for strict biosecurity measures.
In a statement on Friday, July 10, 2026, the County Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives, said veterinary officers are investigating the unexplained deaths while laboratory tests are underway to confirm the disease.
“The County Government of Kakamega, through the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives, wishes to notify pig farmers, traders, transporters, pork consumers, and the general public of a suspected outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Shinyalu and Ikolomani Sub-Counties,” the statement reads.
According to the county, routine disease surveillance revealed pigs dying in large numbers across different age groups and sexes. Preliminary assessments by veterinary officers indicate the disease may be African Swine Fever, although confirmation will depend on laboratory analysis.
Authorities listed several clinical signs observed in affected pigs, including high fever of between 40 and 42 degrees Celsius, loss of appetite, lethargy, skin reddening, bluish discolouration of the ears, snout and tail, haemorrhages, respiratory distress, diarrhoea, abortions in pregnant sows and sudden deaths.
African Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boars. The county warned that the disease can cause devastating losses in pig populations.
“African Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boars. The disease can cause mortality rates of up to 100 per cent. There is currently no cure and no effective vaccine against ASF,” the statement says.
Human health
While the disease poses a serious threat to pig farming, county authorities emphasised that it does not infect people.
“ASF does not affect humans and does not pose a direct public health risk,” the statement notes.
However, officials warned that the disease spreads rapidly through the movement of infected pigs, pork products and contaminated materials.
“It causes severe economic losses to pig farmers and can spread rapidly through the movement of infected pigs, pork products, contaminated feeds, equipment, vehicles, clothing and footwear,” the county added.
To curb any further spread, farmers have been urged to strengthen biosecurity measures by confining pigs in secure housing, avoiding unnecessary movement of pigs between farms, markets and slaughter facilities, and ensuring feeds and water sources remain free from contamination.
The county also advised consumers to purchase pork only from outlets where meat has been inspected and approved by veterinary and public health authorities.
Farmers have further been instructed to immediately report any sick pigs or unusual pig deaths to the nearest veterinary officer and avoid slaughtering, transporting, selling or consuming pigs that are sick or have died from unknown causes.
Authorities also called for the proper disposal of dead pigs through burial under the guidance of veterinary officers and urged communities to cooperate with disease control measures that may be introduced.
County response
Kakamega County said it has already intensified disease surveillance and farmer sensitisation campaigns in the affected areas as efforts to establish the exact cause of the pig deaths continue.
“Veterinary officers are collecting samples for laboratory testing to confirm the disease,” the statement says.
The county added that additional disease control interventions, including movement restrictions and quarantine measures, may be implemented where necessary to prevent further spread.
Officials urged all stakeholders in the pig value chain to remain vigilant and work closely with veterinary authorities to protect livelihoods and safeguard the county’s pig industry.
“For reporting and assistance, contact the nearest Veterinary Office or Sub-County Veterinary Officer immediately,” the statement reads.