Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 22: The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS), Andaman & Nicobar Administration, has appealed to the general public not to panic over the recent confirmation of African Swine Fever in pigs in some parts of Sri Vijaya Puram and at Arong, Car Nicobar.
African Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease that affects only pigs. It does not infect humans and poses no direct risk to human health. Consumption of properly cooked pork does not transmit the disease to people. There is no vaccine and no specific treatment for the disease in pigs. The present measures are aimed solely at preventing its further spread among the pig population and protecting the livelihood of pig farmers.
As a preventive step, the Administration has imposed a total ban on the movement of live pigs, pig feed, pork and pork products, including frozen products, across the entire Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The ban applies to transportation by sea, road or air. No market, fair or exhibition involving pigs shall be held. These restrictions are temporary and will remain in force till further orders.
Pig owners are requested to keep their animals confined and segregated, immediately isolate any sick or suspected pig, and report any unusual illness or sudden death among pigs to the nearest veterinary institution without delay. Carcasses should not be disposed of in the sea, creeks or any water body. Veterinary teams are actively engaged in surveillance, awareness and necessary control measures under the supervision of Senior Veterinary Officers.
The Department reiterates that there is no cause for alarm among the general public. Strict compliance with the movement ban and prompt reporting by pig owners will help contain the disease effectively. The Department of AH&VS remains committed to safeguarding animal health and supporting livestock farmers while ensuring that the situation is managed in a calm and scientific manner.