African Swine Fever (ASF) Alert Issued in Ajnala. Punjab Government Launches Fogging, Farm Sanitization, and Relief Operations to Curb the Spread of the Viral Disease Affecting Pigs.
Chandigarh: The state government has issued an alert following the detection of African Swine Fever (ASF) cases in the Ajnala region of Punjab. This disease affects only pigs and is highly contagious, but it does not pose any threat to human health. The Department of Animal Husbandry has initiated fogging, farm sanitization, and relief operations in the affected farms to prevent the spread of the disease.
ASF Disease Carries Up to 100% Mortality Risk in Pigs
Ravinder Singh Kang, Assistant Deputy Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry, stated that ASF is not a common flu-like illness. It is a viral disease that can cause up to 100 percent mortality in domestic and wild pigs. He mentioned that pigs have been found dead in some farms, while positive cases have been recorded in samples taken from other farms. Affected pigs are being culled, and the farms are being thoroughly sanitized to prevent the disease from spreading to other farms.
According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), ASF is not dangerous to humans and does not spread to other animals or people. Ravinder Singh Kang advised farmers and animal keepers to avoid touching, selling, or consuming any dead or sick pigs.
Relief Efforts Intensified in Flood-Affected Areas of Punjab
The Punjab government has taken several measures for health and safety in Ajnala and other flood-affected areas. Due to heavy rains and floods, both crops and livestock have been impacted, increasing the risk of dengue, malaria, and other waterborne diseases. For this reason, a fogging campaign is underway, and affected farms are undergoing complete sanitization.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that he will hold a review meeting on Friday to assess the situation in flood-affected areas. The meeting will discuss relief operations, compensation distribution, availability of medical facilities, and ensuring swift and accurate delivery of aid to affected individuals. The Chief Minister also shared on social media that special attention will be given to monitoring and distribution of relief efforts this time.
Citizens and Farmers Advised to Exercise Caution
The Department of Animal Husbandry and health officials have urged the public to note that ASF affects only pigs. They should avoid touching, consuming, or selling affected or dead pigs. Furthermore, maintaining hygiene in flood-affected areas and cleaning stagnant water bodies is crucial. This will reduce the risk of contact with wild and domestic animals and prevent the spread of other infectious diseases.
AIIMS Conducts Relief Operations in Flood-Affected Areas
Following the heavy monsoon and floods, a team from AIIMS, New Delhi, conducted a four-day relief operation from September 6th to 9th. During this operation, the team provided primary medical care and life-saving services to thousands of people in the flood-affected districts. Aid was also delivered to remote villages that had never been reached by medical camps before. The team educated people about health-related awareness and provided support in disaster management.
