Udupi: The Udupi district Animal Husbandry Department has stepped up surveillance and preventive measures after African Swine Fever (ASF) was confirmed among wild boars and domestic pigs in parts of Kundapura and Byndoor.

A number of pig deaths had been reported in forest-fringe areas of Kundapura and Byndoor, as well as at a domestic pig farm in Senapura. Veterinary officials collected samples from a dead wild boar found at Kundabarandadi and from a domestic pig that died at a farm in Senapura.

The samples were initially tested at a laboratory in Bengaluru and subsequently sent to an advanced laboratory in Bhopal, where ASF was confirmed.

First reported detection in Karnataka wild boars

The detection is reportedly the first confirmation of ASF among wild boars in Karnataka. The disease had earlier been detected among domestic pigs at Belapu in Kaup taluk and at three locations in Mangaluru.

Udupi District Animal Husbandry Department Deputy Director M.C. Reddappa said around 10 domestic pigs had died at farms, while 12 wild boar deaths had been reported in the affected areas. No further deaths have been reported over the past two to three days, he said.

Senapura declared infected zone

Following confirmation of ASF, the district administration has declared an area within a one-kilometre radius of Senapura in Hosadu Gram Panchayat as an infected zone. A 10-km radius has been designated as a surveillance zone in accordance with national guidelines.

Pig farms within the surveillance zone will be closely monitored, with samples collected every week for 90 days.

Measures stepped up to prevent spread

A special team headed by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Kundapura taluk has been formed to oversee disease-control measures. An electric stunning machine has also been provided to facilitate the scientific culling of pigs in the infected zone.

Farmers will receive compensation for pigs culled under the disease-control measures.

The department is continuing weekly sample collection and monitoring the affected areas. Farmers are also being trained in the scientific disposal of animal carcasses to reduce the risk of further transmission.

The intensified measures aim to contain the disease and protect pig farms and the wider livestock sector across Udupi district.