Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 31: Early identification of African Swine Fever (ASF) and prompt reporting of suspected infections remain critical to limiting losses among pig-rearing communities, with the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department conducting an awareness session for students at Government Senior Secondary School (GSSS), Manglutan, on October 30.
The programme, organised through the Veterinary Dispensary, Manglutan, focused on educating students about the highly contagious viral disease, which affects pigs but does not infect humans or pose a direct threat to human health. The session highlighted the potential consequences of an outbreak for pig health and the livelihoods of families dependent on pig rearing.
A Senior Veterinary Officer from the dispensary explained the warning signs of infection, including high fever, loss of appetite, weakness, skin discolouration and sudden death in pigs. The session also covered how the virus spreads, particularly through contact with infected animals and the movement of contaminated footwear, equipment and pork products.
Students were advised not to approach sick or dead pigs and to inform their parents or teachers if they suspected an infection. The department stressed the importance of promptly alerting veterinary authorities so that suspected cases could be reported.
The session also sought to extend disease-prevention awareness beyond the school by encouraging students to communicate accurate information to their families and communities.
The programme forms part of the ongoing public-awareness and disease-prevention activities undertaken by the Veterinary Dispensary, Manglutan, to improve understanding of African Swine Fever and the precautions needed to limit its spread.
