Sri Vijaya Puram, October 18: A District Task Force meeting was held yesterday at the Conference Hall, District Office, South Andaman, under the chairpersonship of the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, to review the prevailing situation arising out of the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and to ensure coordinated containment measures.
Representatives of the major line departments, including the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council (SVPMC), the Health Department and the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS) Department, attended the meeting, wherein the prevailing situation and necessary measures were deliberated upon.
The Committee members present at the meeting were directed to intensify surveillance, identify affected areas, maintain close monitoring, undertake authorised culling operations and ensure the safe disposal of pig carcasses. The Member Secretary (AH&VS) was further directed to maintain proper records to facilitate the verification and processing of eligible compensation claims.
The Deputy Commissioner further directed the formation of island-level operational teams to ensure effective coordination and implementation of containment measures. The Revenue Department, SVPMC, Rural Development Department, Police, Food Safety Department and other concerned agencies were instructed to extend all necessary assistance in field operations, public awareness activities and enforcement of applicable restrictions to prevent further spread of the disease.
The concerned departments and officers were further directed to sensitise Panchayati Raj Institution representatives, local communities, market associations, pork suppliers and retailers regarding preventive measures and compliance with official advisories. The Tribal Welfare Department shall disseminate appropriate advisories to tribal communities in coordination with the competent authorities. The respective Assistant Commissioners shall coordinate containment and surveillance measures in South Andaman District.
The Food Safety Officers were directed to give wide publicity to the notification issued by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services dated 16.10.2026. All pork suppliers, retailers and other stakeholders dealing in pork and pork-related food products were instructed to strictly comply with the said notification and all other applicable directions issued by the competent authorities.
The Deputy Commissioner directed all departments to accord the matter the highest priority, maintain close interdepartmental coordination and ensure immediate and time-bound implementation of the decisions taken during the meeting.
The general public is advised to remain calm, follow official advisories and promptly report suspected cases to the concerned veterinary authorities. For assistance, the District Control Room may be contacted at 112, 1070 or 1077 for emergency assistance.
