African swine fever resurfaces in Thrissur, authorities step up containment measures

Thrissur district is once again on alert following the confirmation of African swine fever (ASF), a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs, with the latest case reported from Kadangode panchayat. The new detection takes the number of affected panchayat in the district to three within the last three months, raising serious concern among farmers and authorities.

As part of intensified containment measures, the pig farm where the disease was detected has been declared an infected zone within a one-kilometre radius, while a 10-kilometre area around it has been notified as a surveillance zone. Restrictions have been imposed on the sale and distribution of pork from these areas. District Collector Arjun Pandian has directed officials to strictly regulate the functioning of shops and to prevent the transport of pigs to other districts.

To curb further spread, suspected infected pigs are being culled, with 396 pigs already destroyed so far. A special task force under the Animal Husbandry department has begun operations across the district to monitor farms and enforce biosecurity protocols.

‘No threat to humans’

Chief Veterinary Officer Isaac Sam clarified that the African swine fever affects only pigs and wild boars and poses no threat to humans or other animals. “There is no risk of transmission to people. However, strict control measures are essential to prevent further spread among pig population,” he said.

Health and animal husbandry officials have issued detailed advisories to pig farmers. They have been instructed to avoid introducing new pigs into farms during outbreaks and to quarantine newly purchased pigs for at least three weeks to ensure they are disease-free. The movement of breeding boars into and out of farms has also been temporarily banned. Farmers have been warned against feeding pigs with slaughter waste and dumping leftover feed in open areas that could attract wild boars. Proper disposal and scientific treatment of waste have been strongly emphasised.

The disease was first reported from pig farms in areas of Thirumittakode panchayat along the Palakkad district border before spreading to the Mandanparambu area of Kadangode panchayat. Last year, the ASF had severely affected Kadangode panchayat, particularly in Pathiyaram, Malayakam and Mandanparambu regions, forcing authorities to cull around 1,500 pigs.

Describing the severity of the disease, T.P. Sethumadhavan, former Director of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, said, “It is a devastating pig disease marked by high fever, internal haemorrhage and very high mortality. Measures must be taken to strictly control the movement of vehicles, feed, waste and animals across farms. Organised slaughter practices and scientific waste management are crucial. All biosecurity measures must be followed without compromise.”

Scientific protocols

He added that the ASF is caused by a viral agent and stressed the need for farmers and farm workers to strictly adhere to scientific protocols. “The disease spreads among domestic pigs and wild boars but is not zoonotic in nature. Newly elected local bodies, in coordination with the Animal Husbandry department, must implement well-planned awareness programmes to effectively control the infection,” he said.

With containment efforts under way, the authorities have urged pig farmers to remain vigilant and cooperate fully to prevent further losses and safeguard the district’s livestock sector.