Swine flu fears spread after burial of pigs

RESIDENTS of De Doorns have raised concerns about the burial of carcasses of pigs suspected of having died of swine flu in a field near a residential area.

According to residents, one of the holes was not closed and dogs were seen digging, removing the carcasses and feeding on them, giving rise to the fear of human infection. (The US Federal Drug Administration, says African swine flu does not affect humans.)

Resident Norman Cremon claimed flu-like symptoms were becoming common among residents after the burial of the carcasses.

Community leader Shaun Andrew said that at the end of June, pigs that were being kept in informal settlements started dying mysteriously and the owners started slaughtering them to curb the spread of disease.

“The municipality was contacted and were informed by someone from the Department of Agriculture to bury the pigs close to where they were kept in order to curb the spread of the swine flu. The municipality did this, but did not close one of the graves properly.

“The dogs started to eat the carcasses and spread the virus among the people of the nearby area. The area is called Weltevrede Farm at De Doorns.

Breede Valley deputy mayor Juben von Willingh, said having seen concerns by community members on Facebook, inspectors went to investigate, but didn’t find carcasses lying around.

“I sit on the health council and I didn’t get a notification or indication of people getting sick. To be honest, this entire phenomenon is bizarre.”