November 13, 2024
ASF detected in Kerala, India, authorities enforce culling and surveillance measures
India's Animal Husbandry Department has confirmed an outbreak of African swine fever at a private swine farm in Kottiyoor, Kerala, India.
The infection was identified at Royal Pig Farm, owned by MT Kishore.
In response to the outbreak, the department has issued an order mandating the culling of all swine at the affected farm and two neighbouring farms in the area.
A 1 km radius around the infected farm has been declared an infected zone, while a 10 km radius has been designated as a disease surveillance zone. Activities such as pork distribution, swine transport to and from the area, and the operation of pork vendors have been prohibited for three months.
Measures include the destruction of feed supplies, thorough disinfection of the premises, and proper disposal of the carcasses. These steps aim to contain the spread of the disease and protect public and animal health.
The District Animal Protection Officer has been directed to investigate whether swine from the infected farms were transported to other locations in the past two months. The officer is required to submit a detailed report on the findings.
To prevent further spread, the Animal Husbandry Department, in collaboration with the police and the Regional Transport Office (RTO), will conduct inspections at district check posts. These inspections aim to curb illegal smuggling of pork and swine from affected areas and ensure that only animals from disease-free zones are allowed into the district.
The authorities have emphasised the importance of vigilance and cooperation in managing the situation and preventing further outbreaks.
- The Hindu
