Mangaluru: African swine fever reported in Neermarga

MANGALURU: In the wake of a few cases of African swine fever reported at a pig farm in Kelarai near Neermarga of Mangaluru taluk, the district administration has alerted people to be cautious.
Pig rearers asked to take precautions
Deputy commissioner Ravi Kumar M R said that those who are rearing pigs should take precautions, to prevent the spread of the disease.
“Necessary measures as per the guidelines of the National Animal Disease Control Programme will be taken, to prevent the spread of the disease. While areas within 1km from the farm, where the disease was detected, have been declared as an affected zone, 10km of the surrounding areas are identified as a vigilance zone. Directions have been given to cull the affected animals, and destroy them scientifically, and to spray pesticides. The farm also has been directed to put notice boards, banning people from visiting the area,” he said.
‘Does not spread in humans’
“Swine flu does not spread among humans. Hence, people need not panic about the disease. Those who consume pork should ensure that the meat is boiled properly. People should not go near the affected farm, and should not buy piglets and meat from unknown persons. Farms should be kept clean through hot water wash and spraying of pesticides,” the DC stated.