An outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), characterized as a highly contagious and deadly swine disease, has been confirmed at a farm situated within the Kumarakom grama panchayat in Kottayam district. Authorities reported the detection on Saturday and have subsequently implemented several containment and precautionary measures.
The District Collector has declared the area within a one-kilometer radius of the infected farm as a disease-affected zone, while the 10-kilometer radius surrounding it has been designated a disease surveillance area. Strict precautionary directives have been issued for all parts of the district. These measures include the immediate suspension of pork distribution and sales operations in the affected zones until further notice, alongside a temporary prohibition on the transport of pork, pigs, and feed to and from the infected locality.
Officials have indicated that all pigs on the affected farm and those within the one-kilometer radius zone will be culled, in accordance with guidelines provided by the Central government. Furthermore, a rapid response team has been ordered for formation to coordinate all related operational matters.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/african-swine-fever-outbreak-reported-at-kumarakom/article70125974.ece