Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 11: An outbreak of Classical Swine Fever (CSF) has been confirmed among pigs in Car Nicobar Island, Nicobar District. Classical Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boars. It spreads rapidly among susceptible animals and may cause high mortality, resulting in significant economic losses to pig farmers.
The disease is NOT zoonotic and does NOT infect humans.
Classical Swine Fever is a notifiable disease under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009.
To prevent the spread of the disease in the territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the State Animal Disease Emergency Control Committee (SADEC) has recommended to impose a complete ban on the transportation of pigs and pork by products till the disease is controlled.
Hence, all pig owners, farmers, traders, transporters, and other stakeholders are informed that no live pigs or pork by-products, including frozen meat, shall be transported by any carrier, whether by sea, air, or road, until further orders.
Further the Department of AH&VS has issued advisory for control and containment of the Swine fever disease among pigs as follows:
| DO’S | DON’TS |
| Report Promptly: Immediately report any suspected cases, unusual illness, or sudden death of pigs to the nearest Veterinary Institution. | No Movement: DO NOT transport pigs under any circumstances until the ban is lifted by the competent authority. |
| Comply with Bans: Strictly comply with the ban on transportation of pigs until further orders. | No Trade: DO NOT sell, purchase, or move sick pigs or pigs suspected of being infected. |
| Maintain Hygiene: Maintain proper hygiene and regularly clean and disinfect pig sheds, equipment, and vehicles. | Restrict Access: DO NOT allow unnecessary visitors, traders, or vehicles into pig sheds. |
| Ensure Biosecurity: Restrict access to pig-rearing premises and follow appropriate biosecurity measures. | Safe Disposal: DO NOT dispose of dead pigs, carcasses, or animal waste in open areas or water bodies. |
| Cooperate: Cooperate with veterinary officials during disease surveillance, investigation, and control operations. | No Concealment: DO NOT conceal suspected cases or unusual deaths of pigs. |
| Follow Advisories: Follow all advisories and instructions issued by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services. | Strict Compliance: DO NOT ignore instructions issued by veterinary officials or undertake unauthorized movement of pigs. |
All pig owners and farmers are urged to remain vigilant and adopt strict biosecurity measures at their pig-rearing premises. Any suspected case of Classical Swine Fever must be reported immediately to the nearest Veterinary Institution.
Strict compliance with the transportation ban, timely reporting of suspected cases, and implementation of the prescribed disease-control measures are essential to prevent further spread of the disease and safeguard the pig population in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
