On September 26, 2025, at approximately 5:15 PM IST, officials confirmed a severe outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the sixth ward of Mulankunnathukavu panchayat, Thrissur district, Kerala. The highly contagious viral disease, which exclusively affects pigs, was identified following diagnostic tests conducted at a government laboratory in Bhopal. This marks a significant concern for Kerala's pork industry and local farmers, as ASF is known for its high mortality rates among infected animals.

In response, the Animal Husbandry Department swiftly mobilized a Rapid Response Team to curb the disease's spread. Under the leadership of Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Isaac Sam, the team has implemented stringent containment measures, adhering to the central government's action plan for ASF control. A one-kilometer radius around the affected farm has been designated as an infected zone, with a broader 10-kilometer surveillance zone established to monitor and prevent further outbreaks. District Collector Arjun Pandyan has issued an immediate ban on the sale and transportation of pork from the infected areas, ordering all pork-handling shops within the zone to suspend operations until further notice.

The outbreak has sparked alarm among local farmers, who fear significant economic losses due to the disease's devastating impact on pig populations. ASF, caused by a resilient virus, spreads through direct contact between pigs, contaminated feed, or equipment, and is notorious for its ability to persist in the environment. Dr. Sam emphasized that the disease poses no threat to humans or other animals, reassuring the public that consumption of pork from unaffected areas remains safe. However, the ban on pork sales and transport aims to eliminate any risk of the virus spreading through contaminated products.

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Authorities are conducting extensive culling operations within the infected zone to eliminate affected and at-risk pigs, a standard protocol to halt ASF's progression. The surveillance zone will undergo regular inspections, with samples from nearby farms being tested to ensure the disease has not spread further. The Animal Husbandry Department is also educating farmers on biosecurity measures, such as disinfecting equipment and restricting animal movement, to prevent future outbreaks.

This incident underscores the vulnerability of Kerala's livestock sector to infectious diseases and has prompted calls for enhanced monitoring and biosecurity protocols across the state. The government has pledged support for affected farmers, including compensation for culled livestock, and is working closely with veterinary experts to contain the outbreak. Residents and businesses in Thrissur are urged to comply with the imposed restrictions to safeguard the region’s agricultural economy.

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