African Swine Fever confirmed in Idukki; district administration imposes control measures

Thodupuzha: African Swine Fever has been confirmed in Kanjikuzhy panchayat of Idukki district.  Several pigs died showing symptoms of the disease in farms located in Ward 1 of the panchayat. Following confirmation, the District Collector has issued strict control orders in the affected area.

As per the directive, a 1 km radius around the affected farms has been declared an infected zone, and a 10 km radius marked as a surveillance zone. The movement of pigs, pork, and related feed into or out of the infected zone is strictly prohibited. Restrictions are also in place on bringing in pigs or pork products for sale from outside. Parts of Udumbannoor, Vannappuram, and Adimali panchayats fall within the surveillance zone.

The outbreak was confirmed after samples collected from the pigs that died in Kanjikuzhy were tested at the virology lab in Bhopal. Authorities said that since most pigs at the affected farms had already died, culling was not required, unlike in usual cases of infection.

The district has also banned the transport of pigs and pork products from other states as well. The Animal Husbandry Department, in coordination with the police and Motor Vehicles Department, will conduct strict inspections at check posts.

To coordinate containment measures, Sub-Collector Anup Garg has been appointed as the nodal officer, and district animal husbandry officer Dr R Mini will serve as the veterinary nodal officer. 

A Rapid Response Team has been formed in Kanjikuzhy panchayat to implement precautionary measures. Officials clarified that African Swine Fever does not pose a significant threat to humans or other animals, and the situation is under close monitoring.