Authorities in Thrissur district have initiated stringent measures following an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) at a private farm in Madakkathara Panchayat. The outbreak necessitated the culling of 310 pigs on Friday, marking a critical response to contain the highly contagious viral disease.
African Swine Fever, initially reported in India in 2020 in Assam where it claimed over 2900 pigs, has resurfaced with alarming implications. The affected farm has been cordoned off, with a one-kilometre radius declared a disease-affected area and a ten-kilometre radius designated for disease surveillance, according to officials as reported by PTI. Earlier this year, ASF was also reported in Alappuzha.
Understanding African Swine Fever:
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a severe viral disease affecting both domestic and wild pigs, characterized by a potential mortality rate of 100%. Originating in Africa in the early 1900s, ASF has spread across 57 countries and territories, impacting over 506,000 pigs and more than 20,400 wild boars since January 2022, as reported by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
The virus, belonging to the Asfarviridae family, exhibits high resilience in various environments, remaining viable for extended periods in blood, feces, and tissues, particularly within uncooked or undercooked pork products. While ASF does not pose a direct threat to human health, it profoundly affects swine populations crucial for meat production.
Modes of Transmission and Symptoms:
ASF spreads through direct contact between infected and healthy animals, ingestion of contaminated meat products, and through biological vectors. The virus is exceptionally robust in the environment, capable of surviving on surfaces such as clothing, boots, and vehicles, facilitating its transmission over long distances.
Symptoms of ASF include fever, skin reddening, anorexia, listlessness, and in acute cases, sudden death within 24-48 hours. Infected animals may also exhibit discolored mucous membranes, lack of coordination, and diarrhea.
Prevention and Control Measures:
Currently, there are no vaccines or specific medical treatments available for ASF. During outbreaks, rapid culling of infected animals and proper disposal of carcasses are critical to prevent further spread. Stringent biosecurity measures, including surveillance of infected areas and tracing potential sources of the virus, are essential to mitigate its impact.
Authorities and veterinary experts emphasize the importance of adhering to strict biosecurity protocols to prevent ASF from spreading further within and beyond affected regions.
Sources By Agencies
