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Following the confirmation of African Swine Fever in the sixth ward of Mulankunnathukavu panchayat, pigs of two farms were culled as part of containment measures. The disease was confirmed through tests conducted at the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) lab in Bhopal. The culling operation, led by the Rapid Response Team of the Animal Husbandry department, lasted from Friday evening till early Saturday morning. To prevent further spread, a 1-km radius has been declared an infected zone and a 10-km area designated as a surveillance zone. Strict restrictions have been imposed on the sale of pork, operation of meat shops, and transportation of pigs outside the district. District Collector Arjun Pandian has instructed the District Animal Husbandry Officer to implement the measures in line with the Centre’s Plan of Action. Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Isaac Sam clarified that the disease affects only pigs and poses no risk to humans or other animals.
