Prelims: (Science & Technology + CA)
Mains: GS 3 – science) |
Why in the News?
The Government of Assam has banned the inter-district movement of live pigs to curb the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), following a rise in cases across several districts. ASF poses a serious threat to the piggery sector due to its extremely high mortality rate.
About African Swine Fever (ASF)
- ASF is a severe, highly contagious viral and hemorrhagic disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boar.
- It is not zoonotic — humans cannot contract ASF.
- Mortality rates range from 90–100%, causing significant livestock losses.
- First detected in sub-Saharan Africa, it has now spread to multiple countries across Europe and Asia.
- India reported its first ASF outbreak in 2020 in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
Transmission
ASF spreads via:
- Direct contact between infected and healthy pigs/wild boars
- Contaminated feed, water, or surfaces
- Contaminated human clothing, boots, equipment, or vehicles
- Survival in pork products (bacon, ham, sausages)
- Soft ticks in tropical/subtropical regions
The virus is environmentally stable, making containment difficult.
Symptoms of ASF
- High fever
- Weakness, loss of appetite
- Red or darkened skin patches
- Bloody diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Inflammation around the eyes
- Sudden deaths in large numbers
Symptoms closely resemble classical swine fever.
Government Measures in Assam
- Complete ban on inter-district movement of pigs
- Restrictions on pork sale and transport in affected zones
- Surveillance teams deployed in outbreak districts
- Isolation of infected farms
- Culling operations in severely affected pockets
- Public advisories for farmers on strict farm-level biosecurity
Prevention & Control
There is no vaccine or treatment for ASF. Control depends entirely on:
- Rigorous biosecurity measures
- Quarantine of infected farms
- Safe disposal of carcasses
- Cleaning and disinfection of equipment, vehicles, feed, and water sources
- Restriction of pig movement
- Regular monitoring and reporting of sick animals
Impact of the Outbreak
- Heavy financial losses for small pig farmers
- Disruption of pork supply chains
- Threat to Assam’s piggery economy, which is one of the largest in India
- Increased burden on veterinary and district administration machinery
- Social and economic stress in communities dependent on pig rearing
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FAQs
1. Is ASF dangerous to humans ?
No. ASF does not infect humans and is not a zoonotic disease.
2. Why does ASF spread so rapidly ?
Because the virus survives for long periods in the environment and in pork products, making fomite transmission highly efficient.
3. Does India have a vaccine for ASF ?
No. There is currently no approved vaccine; prevention relies on biosecurity.
4. Why is Assam particularly vulnerable ?
Because pig rearing is widespread and is a major livelihood source in the state.
5. Which UPSC subjects cover ASF-related questions ?
Environment, Science & Technology, Animal Husbandry, Disaster Management, and Governance.
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