July 6, 2006

India detects pig fever for the first time

Kerala's Animal Husbandry Minister C. Divakaran on Wednesday (Jul 4) confirmed that pig fever had killed several pigs at a private farm in Wayanad.

This is believed to be the first reported case of the disease in the country.

Tests by the Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Uttar Pradesh confirmed that the pigs had died from pig fever, said Divakaran.

Media reports indicate that the owner had not reported the sudden death of pigs at his farms initially.

Divakaran said measures have been taken to ensure that vaccines are available to other pig farms in the state. 

There are around 150 pig farms in Kerala with a total population of around 70,000 pigs.