A serious outbreak of African Swine Fever has led to the culling of pigs at two farms in Mulankunnathukavu panchayat. The disease was officially confirmed by tests carried out at the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) lab in Bhopal, signaling an urgent need for containment.
The Animal Husbandry department’s Rapid Response Team swiftly executed the culling operation, working from Friday evening through to early Saturday morning. To curb the virus’s spread, an ‘infected zone’ with a 1-kilometer radius has been established around the affected areas, alongside a broader 10-kilometer ‘surveillance zone’.
In response to the confirmed cases, rigorous restrictions are now in effect, prohibiting the sale of pork, the operation of meat shops, and the movement of pigs beyond the district’s borders. District Collector Arjun Pandian has directed the District Animal Husbandry Officer to strictly enforce these measures, aligning with the Centre’s comprehensive Plan of Action.
Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Isaac Sam reassured the public that African Swine Fever exclusively impacts pigs and does not pose any health risks to humans or other animal species.