Sri Vijaya Puram | October 6, 2026
An outbreak of illness amongst pigs has been reported in Car Nicobar over the previous 4 weeks, with laboratory testing confirming the presence of Classical Swine Fever (CSF), the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS) stated in a public advisory.
Samples collected by the division have been examined at designated laboratories on the mainland, confirming CSF. Previous outbreaks of the illness within the Union Territory have been reported throughout 2000–2003.
Classical Swine Fever is a extremely contagious viral illness affecting pigs. The division clarified that the illness doesn’t infect people, cattle or goats and poses no direct danger to human well being. However, it could possibly trigger severe sickness and deaths amongst pigs, probably affecting the livelihoods of pig farmers.
The division has suggested pig homeowners and farmers to take speedy precautions, together with isolating sick or suspected animals from wholesome pigs and utilizing separate feeding and consuming containers. Farmers have additionally been urged to promptly report signs resembling excessive fever, lack of urge for food, diarrhoea, modifications in pores and skin color, weak spot or sudden deaths to the closest Veterinary Officer or Senior Veterinary Officer. Even a single suspected case needs to be reported with out ready for additional sickness or deaths.
The division acknowledged that there’s no particular therapy for CSF, although supportive therapy might assist save affected animals. Farmers have been suggested to contact the closest veterinary establishment for applicable care.
All eligible wholesome pigs above six weeks of age needs to be vaccinated as suggested by veterinary authorities. Farmers have been requested to increase full cooperation to departmental vaccination and surveillance groups.
The advisory additionally calls for normal cleansing and disinfection of pig sheds, feeding containers, tools and footwear. Farmers ought to present clear consuming water and hygienic feed, whereas sustaining information of animal purchases, actions, vaccinations, diseases and deaths to help illness surveillance.
Deaths of pigs have to be reported to veterinary workers, and carcasses needs to be disposed of by deep burial beneath veterinary steerage and in accordance with prescribed precautions. Newly bought pigs must also be stored individually for statement for the interval suggested by the Veterinary Officer earlier than being launched into an current herd.
The division has cautioned farmers towards promoting, transporting, exchanging or slaughtering sick or suspected pigs. Pigs, pork, carcasses, tools and probably contaminated supplies shouldn’t be moved from affected or suspected premises with out veterinary permission. Feeding pigs with raw kitchen waste or pork merchandise must also be averted.
Unnecessary entry into pig sheds needs to be restricted, and anybody coming into such premises ought to observe applicable cleansing and disinfection measures. Dead pigs should not be disposed of in open areas or water our bodies, offered or used for consumption.
Veterinary groups will undertake surveillance, vaccination and pattern assortment for testing, and pig homeowners have been urged to cooperate with the departmental groups and report suspected circumstances promptly.
The division emphasised that early reporting and strict adherence to biosecurity measures are important to guard pig herds and safeguard farmers’ livelihoods.
For help, farmers can contact the toll-free quantity 112 or the closest Veterinary Institution for info, vaccination help and reporting of sickness or deaths.
