African Swine Fever: There is an atmosphere of panic in the area after several cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Ajnala, Punjab. The virus has been confirmed in the investigation conducted after the sudden death of pigs in the farms. Officials say it is not a normal flu but a very infectious virus, which only infects pigs. Although this is not a threat to humans, it is becoming a serious challenge for the state’s animal economy. Meanwhile, the state government has started taking extensive steps for public health protection in view of the spreading threat of floods and diseases. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann himself is going to review the situation.
After the cases that came out in Ajnala, Assistant Deputy Director (Animal Husbandry) Dr. Ravinder Singh Kong clarified this flu. It is African swine fever and it only infects pigs. Some pigs died in a farm. When we investigated, it was found that some of them were positive. According to the World Animal Health Organization (WOAH), African swine fever is a highly infectious viral disease that affects domestic and wild boars. The mortality rate of this disease can be up to 100%.
The ASF virus is not a direct threat to human health, but its effect is serious on the boar rearing industry and agro -based economy. Due to this virus, there may be a large death of pigs on a large scale, due to which the meat industry and small farmers have to suffer heavy losses.
The Punjab government has intensified fogging and vector control campaign in Ajnala and other flood affected areas. Its purpose is – prevent the spread of diseases such as dengue, malaria, and now swine fever.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced that he will hold a high -level meeting on Friday on the situation arising out of floods and illness. He said in social media posts that this review meeting is being held to decide medical services, relief measures and future strategies in the state.
A team of doctors and health workers from AIIMS of Delhi conducted a four -day relief campaign between September 6 to 9. During this time thousands of flood affected people were given free health services and life saving assistance.
The ASF infection spread in Ajnala may not be a direct threat to human life, but its impact in the animal husbandry sector cannot be ignored. Prevention and public awareness in time is the way to deal with this challenge.
