Authorities in Kerala have confirmed a severe outbreak of African Swine Fever, a highly contagious and often fatal disease affecting pigs, at a farm in Kumarakom grama panchayat, Kottayam district. The discovery was announced on Saturday, prompting immediate and decisive action.
In response to the emergency, the District Collector has promptly designated a one-kilometer radius around the infected farm as a “disease-affected zone.” Additionally, a broader ten-kilometer area surrounding this zone has been established as a “disease surveillance area.”
A series of stringent precautionary measures have been ordered throughout the entire district. This includes the immediate suspension of pork distribution and sales in shops located within the affected zones, a ban that will remain in effect until further official notice.
Furthermore, the movement of live pigs, pork products, and pig feed into or out of the infected region has been strictly prohibited to prevent further spread of the virus.
Officials have confirmed that plans are underway to humanely cull all pigs on the affected farm, as well as those within the one-kilometer radius of the outbreak, strictly adhering to Central government guidelines for disease containment.
To ensure effective coordination and rapid implementation of these vital measures, a dedicated rapid response team has been swiftly mobilized.