African swine fever confirmed at Mannuthy pig production

The Animal Husbandry department has stepped up vigil after African swine fever was confirmed at the Centre for Pig Production and Research of the Mannuthy Veterinary College on Thursday (October 30, 2025). It was confirmed through tests conducted at the Southern Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (SRDDL), Bengaluru.

The farm, primarily engaged in the sale of piglets, has been completely sanitised after the Rapid Response Team (RRT) culled 98 pigs and 392 piglets as part of containment measures.

Chief Veterinary Officer Isaac Sam said the disease affects only pigs and does not spread to humans or other animals. To prevent further spread, authorities have declared a one-km radius around the affected Mannuthy farm as an infected zone and a 10-km radius as a surveillance zone.

Distribution and sale of pork, movement of pigs to and from these areas, and operation of meat stalls have been restricted. District Collector Arjun Pandiyan has instructed the district animal husbandry officer to enforce strict measures in coordination with the police and the Regional Transport Office.