December 18, 2024

ASF detected in Kottayam district, Kerala, India

An outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) has been reported in two villages in Kottayam district, Kerala, India, officials confirmed.

The disease was detected in two swine farms located in Koottickal and Vazhoor. Following the confirmation, Kottayam District Collector John V Samuel issued immediate orders for the culling of swine in the affected farms.

"All swine in the affected farms and within a 1 km radius will be culled and disposed of according to Union Government guidelines. The District Animal Husbandry Officer has been assigned to oversee this process," Samuel said in a statement.

The area within a 1 km radius of the affected farms has been declared an infected zone. A 10 km radius has been designated as a surveillance zone.

"The distribution and sale of pork, as well as the transportation of pork and feed from the infected areas, have been prohibited. Similarly, the transportation of swine, pork, or feed from these areas to other regions and vice versa is also banned," Samuel said.

-      The Hindu