ALERT! Over 800 Pigs Killed in Jharkhand Due to African Swine Fever

According to an official, more than 800 pigs have died of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the Ranchi district of Jharkhand since July 27. The ASF, which was discovered in Assam in February 2020, affects both domestic and feral swine.

"Samples were sent for testing to the National Institute of High Security Animal Disease (NIHSAD) in Bhopal early this month," state Animal Husbandry director Shashi Prakash Jha told PTI. The ASF reports came back positive." According to the official, approximately 1,000 pigs have died from ASF in the state.

ASF is a highly contagious haemorrhagic viral disease of pigs that is not transmitted to humans. Sensing the gravity of the situation, the Animal Husbandry department has issued a list of "dos" and "don'ts" for swineherds, as well as a toll-free number (18003097711).

Though Ranchi district has reported the majority of the pig deaths thus far, an advisory has been issued to all 24 districts to take precautionary measures.

"Piggery farms reporting pig deaths or symptoms of the disease have been asked to immediately stop selling animal or pork to contain the spread of the disease." "Pig farmers have also been asked to contact the department's toll-free number if any pig death is reported anywhere in the state," Jha said.

They have also been instructed to properly dispose of the animal's carcass in accordance with the department's guidelines. "At the Kanke-based government pig breeding farm here, 666 pigs have died since July 27," piggery development officer Ajay Kumar told PTI. The pig breeding farm housed approximately 1,100 pigs.

Anil Kumar, Ranchi's animal husbandry officer, stated that around 100 pig deaths have been reported from various areas of the district, including Chanho, Kuchu, McCluskieganj, and Khalari.

According to an official, about 30 pigs died at Ranchi's Birsa Agriculture University (BAU) farm. "On the farm, there are 600 pigs." "However, the mortality rate has decreased since precautionary measures were implemented," Dr. Sushil Prasad, dean and senior faculty at Ranchi Veterinary College, told.

Vipin Bihari Mahta, director of the Institute of Animal Health and Production, told PTI, "The deaths in ASF are sudden." The animals develop feverish symptoms, stop eating, and die soon after." He stated that there is no ASF vaccine.