Latest news with #AfricanSwineFever
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
DA cracks down on unregistered hog farms
The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday said it is cracking down on livestock farms operating without the necessary permits as such facilities distort the country's supply chain and price stability. In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the DA's Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) has issued show cause orders to nine pig farms in Central Luzon —located in Bulacan, Pampanga, and Tarlac. The Agriculture chief said the nine farms must explain why they continue to operate 'despite bypassing basic health, environmental, and safety regulations.' Tiu Laurel said the lapses could jeopardize national efforts to stabilize pork supply and pricing, especially as the country recovers from the lingering effects of African Swine Fever (ASF). 'As we modernize Philippine agriculture, everyone must understand that unlicensed operations will not be tolerated,' he said. 'Compliance is not optional—it is fundamental to protecting both consumers and the livelihoods of law-abiding farmers,' he added. The Agriculture chief said the move was in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to crack down on unregistered livestock facilities that 'distort the food For his part, acting BAI Director Christian Daquigan said the show cause orders were served shortly after the midterm elections. The BAI is currently evaluating responses from some of the farms, and further enforcement actions may follow. Tiu Laurel said he has also instructed BAI to widen its inspection net and assess the compliance of other swine farms across the country. The DA and BAI continue to review and monitor the operations of animal facilities nationwide to ensure adherence to licensing, health, and safety requirements—part of a broader effort to professionalize the livestock industry and protect public welfare, according to Tiu Laurel. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
Hans India
3 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
African swine fever outbreak in Bagalkot amid Covid-19 concerns
Bagalkot: Amid ongoing public health concerns around COVID-19, a new worry has surfaced in Karnataka's Bagalkot district with the detection of African Swine Fever (ASF). The outbreak has raised alarm among residents, though the Animal Husbandry Department has assured that precautionary measures are underway to contain the spread. The infection was detected at a pig-rearing centre in Gorabal village of Ilkal taluk. Authorities suspect that the virus may have entered the region through the import of pigs from other states. On May 22, officials from the Animal Husbandry Department had sent blood samples of pigs to a laboratory in Bhopal, which later confirmed the presence of African Swine Fever. According to Shivananad Karadigudda, Deputy Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, three rapid response teams have been deployed to manage the outbreak. A containment zone has been declared within a 1 km radius of the affected site, while a surveillance zone has been established in the 1–10 km area. Infected pigs are being culled and disposed of in accordance with biosecurity measures. Ilkal taluk is a major hub for pig transport, with animals regularly sent to Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka's Kodagu district. This means the risk of transmission extends beyond Bagalkot. The Union Government has already alerted various states including Kerala about ASF outbreaks and recommended containment protocols. Officials reassured the public that there is no cause for panic. 'All necessary measures have been initiated and the situation is under control,' said Karadigudda.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Assam college develops ASF rapid detection kit
Guwahati: The College of Veterinary Science (CVSc) under Assam Agricultural University (AAU) in Khanapara has achieved a significant breakthrough in veterinary diagnostics by developing a rapid detection kit for African Swine Fever (ASF), a devastating disease that has plagued the region's pig farming industry since 2020. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Head of veterinary microbiology at CVSc, Narendra Nath Barman, said, "The innovative ASF virus antigen detection kit represents a major advancement in field-level veterinary diagnostics, capable of detecting the virus in pig samples within minutes." This development comes as a crucial tool for farmers and veterinarians who have struggled with the disease that kill pigs within 48 hours after being infected. It was first detected in Arunachal Pradesh in 2020 during the covid-19 lockdown. The initial study on the virus was funded by govt of India's department of biotechnology. "This rapid detection kit is a game-changer for our pig farming community as traditional laboratory testing often takes days. This tool provides immediate results, enabling farmers to take swift action to prevent the spread of the disease," Barman added. Barman said ASF virus antigen detection kits are very easy to use, a single drop of a pig's blood is needed to be dropped on the testing kit and if two lines appear on the kit then it is considered to be ASF positive. The ASF is not a zoonotic disease, it can only spread across animals, so humans have no threat from it. "Building on this success, AAU is now developing an even more comprehensive solution — a Lab-in-a-Suitcase — that will have an inbuilt battery for power supply. This will help detect multiple important pig diseases on-site," said Barman. The development has been made possible through collaboration with GeNext Genomics Pvt. Ltd, bringing together academic expertise and commercial innovation. This partnership has accelerated the translation of research into practical, market-ready solutions.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
African Swine Fever detected in dead wild boars found in Selangor
PETALING JAYA: Laboratory tests have confirmed African Swine Fever (ASF) infection in six wild boar carcasses discovered across two locations in Selangor between late April and mid-May. The Selangor Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) received multiple reports about the dead animals found along Jalan Tebrau 1 and Dataran Ukay areas, according to New Straits Times. Selangor Perhilitan director Wan Mohd Adib Wan Mohd Yusoh explained that departmental investigators conducted initial examinations at each discovery site before collecting samples for analysis. 'Tissue samples underwent internal testing at Perhilitan's Ex-Situ Conservation Division before being forwarded to the Central Zone Veterinary Laboratory operated by the Veterinary Services Department for comprehensive evaluation,' he stated. Official confirmation of ASF infection came on May 20 through quantitative PCR testing methods, validating the presence of the viral disease in the specimens. Wan Mohd Adib emphasised that ASF exclusively affects pigs, both wild and domesticated varieties, and presents no health threat to humans or other animal species. The contagious viral infection does not pose public health risks. Perhilitan continues coordinating with veterinary services, local councils, and partner agencies to monitor the outbreak, safely remove infected carcasses, and sanitise affected zones following established biosecurity measures. Enhanced surveillance efforts include examining additional carcasses found in surrounding areas and monitoring wildlife health in high-risk locations whilst preparing for potential similar incidents elsewhere. The director urged residents to avoid contact with any discovered wild animal remains, particularly wild boar carcasses, and immediately notify authorities rather than handling the situation independently. Citizens should report wildlife-related incidents through Perhilitan's dedicated hotline at 1-800-88-5151 whilst avoiding the circulation of unverified information that could generate public alarm.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
ASF Detected in Wild Boar Carcasses Found in Selangor
PETALING JAYA: Laboratory tests have confirmed African Swine Fever (ASF) infection in six wild boar carcasses discovered across two locations in Selangor between late April and mid-May. The Selangor Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) received multiple reports about the dead animals found along Jalan Tebrau 1 and Dataran Ukay areas, according to New Straits Times. Selangor Perhilitan director Wan Mohd Adib Wan Mohd Yusoh explained that departmental investigators conducted initial examinations at each discovery site before collecting samples for analysis. 'Tissue samples underwent internal testing at Perhilitan's Ex-Situ Conservation Division before being forwarded to the Central Zone Veterinary Laboratory operated by the Veterinary Services Department for comprehensive evaluation,' he stated. Official confirmation of ASF infection came on May 20 through quantitative PCR testing methods, validating the presence of the viral disease in the specimens. Wan Mohd Adib emphasised that ASF exclusively affects pigs, both wild and domesticated varieties, and presents no health threat to humans or other animal species. The contagious viral infection does not pose public health risks. Perhilitan continues coordinating with veterinary services, local councils, and partner agencies to monitor the outbreak, safely remove infected carcasses, and sanitise affected zones following established biosecurity measures. Enhanced surveillance efforts include examining additional carcasses found in surrounding areas and monitoring wildlife health in high-risk locations whilst preparing for potential similar incidents elsewhere. The director urged residents to avoid contact with any discovered wild animal remains, particularly wild boar carcasses, and immediately notify authorities rather than handling the situation independently. Citizens should report wildlife-related incidents through Perhilitan's dedicated hotline at 1-800-88-5151 whilst avoiding the circulation of unverified information that could generate public alarm.
