December 28, 2023

Bangladesh reports first case of African swine fever

Bangladesh has officially confirmed its first case of African swine fever (ASF) on a "Pig Development Farm" in Rangamati, affecting 414 swine, National Hog Farmer reported.

The World Organization for Animal Health notes that the source or origin of the infection remains unknown or inconclusive.

To address the situation, the country has implemented movement control measures, surveillance protocols, and an awareness campaign. This development raises concerns regionally, as neighbouring countries have grappled with ASF outbreaks in recent years.

Neighbouring Myanmar has reported 12 ASF outbreaks since its initial case in August 2019. Meanwhile, Nepal has detected 39 ASF outbreaks in swine farms as of May 19, 2023, with additional cases confirmed in wild boars in the Sudurpashchim province.

Bhutan experienced its first ASF outbreak in May 2021, with subsequent outbreaks reported in various districts, including Sarpang, Chhukha, Dagana, and the latest in Trashigang District in August 2023.

India has been dealing with ASF outbreaks since January 2020, with official reports in states such as Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Bihar, Kerala, Punjab, Haryana, and Tripura. Recent detections in Kerala and Assam have been noted, and in Manipur State, the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department identified 33 epicentres and surrounding areas in 430 villages as infected zones.

-      National Hog Farmer