ASF outbreak reported in Patiala, restrictions imposed to contain the disease

An outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) has been confirmed at a pig farm in Ravas Brahmanan village, prompting immediate action from district authorities.

The village has been declared an infected zone and stringent restrictions have been enforced to contain the disease.

The incident took place last week when pigs’ deaths were reported in the farm. The animal husbandry department team visited the farm and carried out the post-mortem and sent the lab report to the Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RDDL) in Jalandhar.

From here, the samples were further sent to the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal, for detailed analysis.

After NIHSAD confirmed the ASF outbreak, the area was divided into two zones. The infected zone: 0 to 1 km radius around the outbreak site in Ravas Brahmanan. The surveillance zone: 1 to 10 km radius surrounding the infected zone.

These include a complete ban on the movement of pigs — alive or dead, including wild boars — pork, feed, and farm-related equipment into or out of the affected area.

The District Animal Husbandry Department has launched continuous surveys and monitoring operations within both zones to track and contain the spread of the virus.

Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Isha Singal has invoked powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, to issue prohibitory orders effective from July 31 to September 30.

The appeal has been made to the residents to strictly follow the directives and cooperate with authorities. Violations of the orders will invite strict legal action, officials warned.

ASF: A global concern

African Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs, with no vaccine or cure currently available. The virus causes massive losses in pig populations and has serious economic consequences, especially for small-scale farmers.

Though not transmissible to humans, ASF poses a major threat to livestock biodiversity and food security. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) continues to support global efforts for the prevention and control of this disease.