African swine fever (ASF) is a deadly infectious disease affecting the pigs. No vaccine exists to combat this virus.
Published Sep 26, 2025 | 9:31 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 26, 2025 | 9:31 PM
African Swine Fever. (Creative Common)
Synopsis: Authorities have declared a one-kilometre radius around the affected farm as an “infected zone” and a 10-kilometre stretch as a surveillance zone. District Collector Arjun Pandian has ordered strict curbs on pork distribution, pig transport, and the functioning of related shops in the notified areas, in line with the Central government’s action plan.
Thrissur district has reported a fresh case of African swine fever, confirmed in Mulankunnathukavu’s sixth ward after testing at the NIHSAD lab in Bhopal.
African swine fever (ASF) is a deadly infectious disease affecting the pigs. No vaccine exists to combat this virus.
However, Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Isaac Sam clarified that the virus does not affect humans and other animal species other than pigs and wild boars.
A Rapid Response Team (RRT) under the Animal Welfare Department has been deployed to contain the spread.
The RRT includes senior officers and veterinary experts led by District Animal Husbandry Officer Dr Jitendra Kumar.
Authorities have declared a one-kilometre radius around the affected farm as an “infected zone” and a 10-kilometre stretch as a surveillance zone.
District Collector Arjun Pandian has ordered strict curbs on pork distribution, pig transport, and the functioning of related shops in the notified areas, in line with the Central government’s action plan.
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease among domestic and wild pigs.
Its mortality rate can reach 100 percent. The infection was first detected in Africa in 1920,
It is not a danger to human health, but it has devastating effects on pig populations and the farming economy.
The virus is highly resistant in the natural environment, meaning that it can survive on clothes, boots, wheels, and other materials.
It can also survive in various pork products, such as ham, sausages, or bacon.
As a precaution against it, experts suggest intensive cleaning, disinfection, and sanitisation work on the farm that has reported ASF cases.
Healthy pigs usually become infected through:
Pigs that contract ASF have been known to exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:
There is currently no effective vaccine against ASF.
The only solution is to depopulate by culling the affected or exposed swine herds.
The disease is a great cause of concern for biodiversity and the balance of ecosystems.
This is because it affects not only domestic farmed pigs but also wild boars, including native breeds.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
