KOCHI: African swine flu has been detected again in Ernakulam district, with the latest outbreak confirmed at KEA Pig Farm in ward 2 of Malayattoor-Neeleswaram panchayat. In response, the district administration has stepped up containment efforts to prevent the disease from spreading.
District Collector NSK Umesh issued an urgent order mandating the culling of all pigs in farms located within a 1-km radius of the infected site. The infected zone has been officially declared a containment area, while the 10-km surrounding area has been marked for close observation.
In accordance with central government protocol, the district animal husbandry department has been tasked with carrying out the culling operations. Movement and sale of pork products from the infected zone have been completely suspended, including the functioning of pork meat shops and fodder outlets.
Authorities have also imposed a ban on the transportation of pigs and pork into or out of the designated infected zone.
An inquiry has been initiated to determine whether pigs from the affected farm were moved to neighbouring farms over the past two months. Officials have been asked to submit a detailed report to help trace and curb any potential spread.
The district continues to remain on high alert as officials monitor the situation closely.
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