Sri Vijaya Puram, October 30: Approximately 308 students took part in an awareness programme on African Swine Fever (ASF) conducted at Government Senior Secondary School, Manglutan, yesterday by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services through Veterinary Dispensary, Manglutan.
The Senior Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Dispensary, Manglutan, addressed the students and explained the nature of African Swine Fever, a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs. Students were told that ASF does not infect humans and poses no direct risk to human health, but it can cause serious losses to pig health and the livelihoods of pig-rearing families.
The session focused on recognising warning signs such as high fever, loss of appetite, weakness, skin discolouration and sudden death in pigs. Important routes of disease transmission, including contact with infected pigs and the movement of contaminated footwear, equipment or pork products, were explained in simple terms. The students were sensitised to essential precautions, including avoiding contact with sick or dead pigs, informing parents or teachers about suspected cases, and ensuring that the Veterinary Department is alerted promptly. The importance of farm hygiene, restricting unnecessary movement into pig sheds and following proper biosecurity measures was also highlighted.
The programme formed part of the ongoing ASF public-awareness and disease-prevention activities being undertaken by Veterinary Dispensary, Manglutan. Students were encouraged to share accurate preventive messages with their families and communities, a press release from the Department of AH&VS said.
