Assam: Kaziranga veterinary division on high alert over swine fever

A CORRESPONDENT

BOKAKHAT: The Sixth Veterinary Division at Kohora State Veterinary Hospital in Kaziranga is on high alert regarding the protection of wild pigs in Kaziranga National Park along with domestic pigs amid the potential threat of swine fever. Due to the risk of African swine fever (ASF) transmission, the hospital’s doctors and staff are promoting awareness among the general public.

According to veterinarian Dr Biswajit Baruah, African swine fever is extremely fatal, and currently, no vaccine has been discovered for it. He further stated that the mortality rate for pigs infected with this disease is nearly 100%, and pigs usually die within 24 to 48 hours of infection.

Therefore, the key concern is preventing the transmission of African swine fever to domestic pigs. Citing a recent outbreak in Barpeta, Dr Baruah said that, so far, there has been no outbreak in Kaziranga. However, if it occurs, both domestic pigs in rural areas around Kaziranga and the wild boars in the national park could be at high risk.

This is because wild boars frequently roam in villages bordering the park and often come into contact with domestic pigs. Hence, people must remain vigilant to protect their domestic pigs as well as the wild pigs of the national park.

During this time of outbreaks in other parts of the state, Dr Baruah advised pig farmers in and around Kaziranga to keep their pigs confined and to avoid feeding them purchased or imported feed. According to him, the virus can spread to pigs through various means, so avoiding outside feed is crucial.

It is noteworthy that a significant number of wild pigs are found in Kaziranga National Park. An outbreak of swine fever can threaten both domestic and wild pigs.

In a previous similar situation, the park authorities had dug trenches along the boundary between the national park and nearby villages to prevent contact between domestic and wild pigs. Although local people consider frequent contact between domestic pigs and wild boars emerging from the park to be normal, wildlife experts opine that the park authorities should take preventive measures before any danger arises. While it may be possible to control domestic pigs, controlling the movement of wild pigs in the national park is nearly impossible.

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