Daijiworld Media Network - Raipur

Raipur, Apr 8: Panic has spread in Mudpar village of Chhattisgarh’s Durg district after an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) led to the death of over 250 pigs, with authorities culling an additional 82 animals to contain the spread.

The outbreak began on April 1 when sudden deaths were reported at a private pig farm. As fatalities rose rapidly, the farm owner alerted the district Veterinary Department, prompting an immediate response from officials who inspected the site in protective gear and collected samples.

The samples were sent to the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal, which confirmed the presence of the ASF virus on April 6. Following the diagnosis, authorities carried out culling operations in line with government protocols, euthanising the remaining pigs and disposing of carcasses in deep burial pits.

Officials clarified that the disease affects only pigs and does not pose any risk to humans. However, as a precaution, residents have been advised against consuming meat from infected or exposed animals.

The district administration has sealed the affected farm and declared a one-kilometre radius as an infected zone, while a ten-kilometre area around it has been placed under surveillance. Authorities are also investigating the source of the infection, including the origin and movement of the animals.

With no available vaccine or treatment and a near 100 percent mortality rate among infected pigs, African Swine Fever remains a serious threat to livestock. Veterinary teams are closely monitoring the situation, and farmers in nearby areas have been urged to report any unusual animal deaths immediately.