Year after year, pigs in Malawi come under attack. An attack they rarely survive: African Swine Fever.

At the start of January, after months of silence, the disease struck again. 

Chisenga Veterinary Station in Mchinji Boma is one of the areas wherw the outbreak was confirmed. 

It spread fast — Zandana, Soko, Maula, Robert, and Longwe areas were hit. Out of 175 pigs showing signs, 151 have already died. Officials told me 700 more pigs are at risk.

I asked why this disease keeps returning. What I found is troubling.

Some farmers hide sick animals, selling pigs at night to avoid detection. That practice fuels the spread. Authorities have imposed quarantines, suspended pig markets, and ordered carcasses to be buried.

But I’ve seen with my own eyes — markets are still running. Residents told me pork prices have dropped from K12,000 to about K6,000 per kilogram, as farmers still want to sell.

I spoke with Dr. Poya Njoka, an animal health expert. He told me African Swine Fever is highly contagious, and only strong collaboration can stop it.

"Biosecurity is the best preventive measure,” he said. “This disease has no cure.”

The outbreak has now reached Lilongwe. Farmers in Mbwatalika and Njewa told me pigs began dying early this month. Officials confirm 166 pigs reported sick or dead, with 135 deaths from nine kraals. 

Scientists warn: ASF spreads through direct contact and contaminated pork products. Fatalities can reach 100 percent.

As I report this, the disease continues to devastate herds. And unless vigilance improves, African Swine Fever will remain an annual burden for Malawi’s farmers.