African Swine Fever: Bio-security a Main Concern at Pig Farms, GADVASU Experts

The outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), a viral disease in north eastern states of India, is emerging cause of concern for Pig farmers due to heavy mortality and economic losses. Dr H K Verma, Director Extension Education of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana emphasized that awareness and attentiveness of pig farmers is important for successful protection of pigs from this disease as currently ‘No vaccine’ is available against this disease.

It is said that wild pigs without any clinical signs are the natural host of this disease. Clinical signs of this disease include high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, off feed and internal bleeding with red skin patches. These red patches are similar and confusing with another viral disease - Classical swine fever (CSF).

Dr Amit Sharma stressed that farmers must follow strict Bio-security measures by regulating entry of vehicle, equipments, persons and roaming & scavenging pig population. Main entrance of the farm should remain closed at all times. All the boundary walls of the farm must be rechecked so as to avoid trespassing/stray animals. Pig sty should be cleaned daily with disinfectant or hot water. Also utensils used for feeding sick pigs must not be used for feeding healthy pigs.

As ticks are main transmitting agent, so controlling ectoparasites in pigs & farm premises is important. They can use ectoparasitacide drugs to control ticks & ensure that there are no cracks or crevices in the walls at farm where ticks hide, which should be plastered. In addition, de-worming of animals should be done on regular basis. Newly purchased animals could be potential source of infection hence it is advised not to buy animals under present environment or quarantine the new animals for twenty days before introduction in herd.  

In the mean time, Dr Vishal Mahajan advised that vaccination of all animals must be conducted for Swine fever, FMD & HS as per your schedule, but use cold chain and new syringe & needle for every animal. No swill feeding (kitchen/ restaurant waste) must be practiced. Also workers at the farms should follow social distancing, wear mask & use sanitizers to avoid COVID spread. 

In order to prevent the perpetuation of virus in farm premise regularly disinfect the farm with bleaching powder, lime or caustic soda. Also use lime or Potassium Permanganate as foot bath at entrance.