Sri Vijaya Puram, October 28: The absence of a vaccine or specific treatment for African Swine Fever (ASF) makes strict biosecurity critical to protecting pig populations and farmers’ livelihoods, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS) said during an awareness session for students at Andaman College (ANCOL).
The department organised the sensitisation programme at the ANCOL campus, where a Senior Veterinary Officer in charge of the Animal Husbandry Training Institute explained how the disease spreads, its clinical signs and the measures needed to prevent and control outbreaks.
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs and can cause high mortality. The officer explained that contaminated feed, including kitchen waste used for swill feeding, can transmit the virus. Pork and pork products, as well as the movement of people, vehicles and equipment, can also contribute to its spread.
The officer clarified that ASF does not infect humans and poses no direct risk to human health. However, its potential impact on pig populations makes preventive action important, particularly for indigenous Nicobari and Andaman local pigs and the farmers who depend on pig rearing for their livelihoods.
With no vaccine or specific treatment available, the department stressed the importance of preventing the virus from entering and spreading among pig populations. The session covered biosecurity practices and the need for vigilance to identify possible infections and limit transmission.
The officer urged students to help prevent misinformation and communicate accurate information within their families and communities. She asked them to advise pig farmers and other residents against feeding kitchen waste or swill to pigs and to avoid bringing pork products from outside without proper checks.
Students were also asked to report any unusual illness or deaths among pigs immediately to the nearest veterinary institution, enabling veterinary authorities to be informed of potential threats to animal health.
The programme sought to extend awareness beyond the college campus by encouraging students to share preventive guidance with family members, friends and the farming community. The department emphasised that public awareness and adherence to biosecurity measures remain essential to protecting local pig populations and the livelihoods associated with pig farming.
