African swine fever outbreak reported in Kerala
Kottayam district in Kerala just reported an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) at a farm in Kumarakom.
ASF is a fast-spreading virus that only affects pigs—there's no cure or vaccine yet.
To stop it from spreading, officials have set up a one-kilometer infected zone and a 10-kilometer surveillance area around the farm.
Transport of pigs or pig feed on hold
All pork sales and transport of pigs or pig feed are on hold within these zones.
Authorities are also culling pigs on the affected farm and nearby areas as per government rules, with a rapid response team coordinating related matters to contain the outbreak.
Outbreak echoes similar ones seen across India in recent years
A rapid response team is coordinating related matters to ensure all safety steps are followed.
Officials want everyone to know: ASF doesn't affect people—just pigs.
Still, this outbreak echoes others seen across India in recent years that have hit pig farmers hard, showing why quick action really matters.