ADVISORY TO COMBAT AFRICAN SWINE FEVER OF PIGS IN CHANDIGARH (UT)
Govt. of India, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, New Delhi has issued an advisory to all the states, regarding advance preparedness and control and containment of African Swine Fever after incidence/ re-incidence of this disease in the states namely Bihar, Karnataka, Kerala, Haryana, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious haemorrhagic viral disease of domestic and wild pigs, which is responsible for serious economic and production losses. The Department of Animal Husbandry, U.T. Chandigarh has geared up to handle any eventuality & outbreak of the fatal disease in villages of Chandigarh.
The population of pigs in Chandigarh is very small i.e. 138 numbers as per 2018 Livestock Census. No such case of disease has so far been reported in Chandigarh. However, Worthy Secretary Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, in review meeting has advised the department to be on alert on the disease and to create awareness among the pig owners as there is neither any treatment nor any vaccine for African Swine Fever at present. The hygiene of area & cleanliness of pig rearing area is utmost important. The department has nominated one of the Veterinary Officers as Nodal officer to oversee the incidence of disease in Chandigarh, if any.
Director Animal Husbandry urged that all Pig rearing farmers should be on alert and may report to the nearest veterinary hospital immediately on unusual mortality and sickness in pigs. She added that strict implementation of advisories; strict implementation of bio-security measures and movement restriction and isolation of affected animals is to be followed in true spirit, as per Govt. of India guidelines. Pamphlets have also been distributed among livestock farmers in regard to this disease for their awareness.
The Department revealed that Chandigarh being non effected U.T. so far, necessary steps shall be taken as per National Action Plan for advance preparation to check the incidence and possible spread of African Swine Fever.
