The Animal Husbandry Department has officially confirmed an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Ward 6 of Mulankunnathukavu grama panchayat, Thrissur. This serious development comes after laboratory tests at the NIHSAD facility in Bhopal positively identified the disease, according to departmental officials.
In response, a specialized Rapid Response Team (RRT) from the department immediately launched extensive containment efforts. An “infected zone” with a 1-kilometer radius has been established around the affected farm, alongside a broader 10-kilometer “surveillance zone.” District Collector Arjun Pandian has mandated stringent restrictions, including bans on pork sales, the operation of related businesses, and the movement of pigs beyond the district borders. These urgent measures align with the Central government’s comprehensive Plan of Action to control the disease.
Understanding the Disease: Only Pigs Affected
Chief Veterinary Officer Isaac Sam reassured the public that African Swine Fever exclusively impacts pigs and poses no threat to human health or other animal species. The Rapid Response Team is composed of highly skilled professionals, including senior veterinary officers, surgeons, livestock inspectors, and dedicated support personnel.
In a move to support struggling farmers, J. Chinchurani, the Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, presented a compensation of ₹8 lakh to Manesh, a pig farmer from Kadangode panchayat. Manesh had previously suffered the loss of 87 pigs due to an earlier outbreak of the same disease. This crucial financial assistance was disbursed during the Ksheera Sangamam event held at PCK Auditorium, Vellangallur. The Minister emphasized that these relief efforts are designed to offer essential support to farmers grappling with the significant financial impact of recent disease outbreaks.