Samples from the pigs were sent to NIHSAD in Bhopal to confirm the disease, which has led to the death of several pigs in Wayanad.
Kerala to cull 300 pigs detected with African Swine Fever in Wayanad. (Creative Common)
The Kerala government on Friday, 22 July, decided to go in for mass culling of pigs after African Swine Fever cases were reported in two breeding farms at the Thavinjal village in the Mananthavady Taluk of the Wayanad district.
Wayanad District Collector A Geetha told South First, “Samples from the pigs were sent to the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal to confirm the disease, which has led to the death of several pigs in the farms.”
The district collector added that NIHSAD in its report confirmed that the pigs died due to African Swine Fever.
“Around 300 pigs have been detected to have contracted African Swine Fever,” Geetha added.
She added that the culling of pigs had already been initiated.
“We are taking all precautionary measures to prevent the spreading of the disease,” the district collector said.
Geetha added that all farm owners have been advised to ensure minimum human contact with the pigs.
“The advisory was issued as a precautionary measure, though there is a very minimal chance that humans are affected by the African Swine Fever,” she said.
The Kerala government has sounded a high alert and asked farm owners and traders to refrain from bringing pigs from other states, especially those in the North East.
The Kerala Police and veterinary officials have increased their vigil along the state’s borders to prevent the transportation of pigs or pork into it.
According to a veterinarian, African Swine Fever is a highly contagious disease that affects pigs. The mortality rate can reach 100 percent.
African Swine Fever was first detected in Africa in 1920. The virus is highly resistant to treatment and can even survive in various pork products.
Jul 26, 2024
Jul 26, 2024
Jul 26, 2024
Jul 26, 2024
Jul 26, 2024
Jul 26, 2024
