Sri Vijaya Puram, October 23: Following the confirmation of African Swine Fever (ASF) in parts of Sri Vijaya Puram and Arong in Car Nicobar, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has urged pig owners to isolate sick animals, report sudden deaths and comply with an island-wide ban on transporting pigs and related products to prevent further spread of the disease.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS) has advised the public against panic, clarifying that the highly contagious viral infection affects pigs but does not infect humans or pose a direct threat to human health.
The department also stated that consuming properly cooked pork does not transmit African Swine Fever to people.
Under the restrictions, authorities have prohibited the movement of live pigs, pig feed, pork and pork products, including frozen items, throughout the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The ban covers transportation by road, sea and air.
Markets, fairs and exhibitions involving pigs have also been prohibited. The temporary restrictions will remain in force until further orders.
Pig owners have been instructed to keep their animals confined and separated to reduce the risk of transmission. They must immediately isolate pigs showing signs of illness or suspected infection and inform the nearest veterinary institution about unusual sickness or sudden deaths.
The advisory also prohibits the disposal of pig carcasses in the sea, creeks or other water bodies.
According to the department, veterinary teams are conducting surveillance, public awareness activities and disease-control measures under the supervision of senior veterinary officers.
African Swine Fever has no available vaccine or specific treatment for infected pigs, making preventive measures central to controlling its spread.
The department said the restrictions aim to protect the pig population and safeguard farmers’ livelihoods. It emphasised that compliance with movement controls and timely reporting of suspected cases are essential to containing the outbreak.
