The authorities in Madagascar are trying to halt the spread of an epidemic which has affected nearly half the country's population of pigs.

They haveforbidden the transfer of pigs from one area to another, and are considering slaughtering some two-hundred thousand animals in an attempt to stop the disease.

The BBC correspondent in Antananarivo says pig farmers are not keen on this solution because no financial compensation is available.

Farmers are also concerned because the disease, known as the African Plague, has led to a fall in the price of pork.