Samples taken from feral pigs found dead on the edge of the Aralam forest in July and August tested positive for African swine fever.
According to the forest department, dead bodies of 18 wild boars were found in areas adjacent to the Aralam forest edge, almost at the same time several cases of African swine fever were reported in pig farms in villages adjacent to the forest edge.
Divisional Forest Officer Vysak Sasi said samples were taken from five carcasses as the other corpses were highly decomposed. “The samples were sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Disease in Bhopal, which confirmed that the animals died of African swine fever,” he said. However, he ruled out that the infection would spread to other wild boars. No similar cases of wild boar deaths were reported in September and October.
“The possibility of transmission of the disease to other wild boars is minimal as affected pigs can die immediately. Furthermore, the found carcass was also destroyed immediately to prevent the spread of the disease,” Mr Sasi said.
District Collector Arun K. Vijayan urged pig farmers to remain vigilant after the disease was confirmed. He clarified that the disease does not affect humans.
Meanwhile, Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry M. Vinod Kumar said necessary steps have been taken to create awareness among farmers. He added that since the Collector has banned the sale and distribution of pork, the operation of pork shops and the transportation of pigs will not be allowed. Furthermore, there will be strict controls at the entrances of the districts to prevent illegal transport of pigs and pork from the affected regions.
Published – 16 Oct 2025 20:41 IST
