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Outbreak of African Swine Fever in Kerala
Context: An outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) has been reported from a farm in a village in Kerala’s Thrissur district. It is a highly contagious and deadly disease affecting both farm-raised and feral pigs.
More on news:
- The Thrissur district collector has ordered the culling of 310 pigs at a private farm in Madakkathara panchayat and directed the district animal husbandry officer to carry out the task.
- Transportation of pork, operation of farms, and movement of pigs, pork, and feed from the affected areas are prohibited until further notice.
- ASF affects only pigs, with a low possibility of transmission to other animals or humans.
African Swine Fever (ASF):
- Highly contagious and deadly swine disease.
- Affects both farm-raised and feral (wild) pigs.
- Does not infect people but spreads among pigs through direct contact with bodily fluids.
- Can also spread by feeding pigs uncooked food waste containing contaminated pork products.
- Global Impact: Significant pig losses in sub-Saharan Africa, China, Mongolia, Vietnam, and parts of the European Union.
- ASF has never been found in the U.S.
- The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) works with its partners, industry and experts to support countries in their efforts to prevent and control this pig disease.
- ASF was first reported in India in May 2020 in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and has since spread to around 24 States/UTs.
- ASF Virus (ASFV):
- Infects domestic swine and other members of the family Suidae, including warthogs, bushpigs, and wild boars.
- Inapparent infection in warthogs, bushpigs, and Ornithodoros moubata (soft tick).
India’s Concern and Preventive Measures:India has the largest livestock population with 536 million livestock and 851 million poultry, accounting for 11% and 18% of the global livestock and poultry population, respectively.
- The National Action Plan for Control of ASF was formulated in 2020.
- Rapid Response Teams conducted culling of pigs within a 1 km radius of the ASF epicentre on July 5, 2024.
- ASF is not zoonotic and cannot spread to humans; there are currently no vaccines for ASF.
- Educating the public about zoonotic and non-zoonotic diseases reduces unwarranted fear and promotes informed animal health and safety.
- Prevention and control of zoonotic diseases rely on vaccination, good hygiene, animal husbandry practices, and vector control.
- The One Health approach emphasises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
World Zoonoses Day:
- It is celebrated on July 6, honours Louis Pasteur’s administration of the first successful rabies vaccine and raises awareness about zoonoses and preventive measures.
- Zoonoses are infectious diseases that can transfer between animals and humans, such as rabies, anthrax, influenza (H1N1 and H5N1), Nipah, COVID-19, brucellosis, and tuberculosis. These diseases are caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi.
