September 19, 2023

Tamil Nadu, India, on alert for ASF

Tamil Nadu, India, is on high alert following suspected cases of African swine fever (ASF), which spreads through wild pigs, along the border with neighbouring Karnataka and Kerala.

State authorities said they have started taking necessary precautions along the Kerala-Karnataka border by monitoring the spread of the disease and mortality rates among the feral pigs. They added that they have received communication from the central government to issue an alert across the region to contain the spread and investigate as per the National Action Plan (NAP) for ASF.

"A field inspection may also be undertaken to gather additional evidence on the presence/ absence of feral pigs in domestic pig zones," read a letter from the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, which has directed the authorities of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala to take necessary precautions.

Officials pointed out that this time of the year following monsoon is most susceptible to viral infections.
 

- Times Now