Punjab on High Alert: African Swine Fever Strikes SBS Nagar, Emergency Culling Operations Underway

In a grave development for Punjab's agricultural sector, the highly contagious and deadly African Swine Fever (ASF) has been officially detected in the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (SBS Nagar) district. Five samples tested positive for the virulent disease, triggering an immediate and robust response from state authorities, including the painful but necessary commencement of culling operations for pigs in the affected areas, starting today.

The confirmation of these ASF cases has sent shockwaves through the local farming community, particularly among pig breeders who are now grappling with the devastating prospect of losing their entire herds.

The identified positive samples originated from several villages within the district, including Balachaur and Garhshankar, indicating a concerning spread across multiple localities.

Following the alarming detection, the Punjab government has acted swiftly by declaring the affected areas as 'infected zones.' This critical measure encompasses a radius of 10 kilometers around the epicenters of the confirmed cases.

Within this rigorously enforced zone, stringent restrictions have been immediately imposed: the movement of pigs, pig feed, and any pig products is strictly prohibited. This aims to establish a robust biosecure perimeter, crucial for containing the virus and preventing its further dissemination to unaffected regions of the state.

Veterinary officials and animal husbandry departments are operating on high alert, working tirelessly to manage the escalating crisis.

The culling operations, though heartbreaking, are an unavoidable step designed to eliminate infected animals and halt the unchecked spread of ASF, a disease notorious for its nearly 100% mortality rate in affected pigs and for which no vaccine or cure currently exists. Specialized teams are being deployed with strict protocols to ensure the humane culling of pigs and the proper disposal of carcasses, thereby minimizing environmental contamination and further transmission risks.

This is not Punjab's inaugural battle with African Swine Fever.

The state has previously grappled with outbreaks in other districts, including Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Rupnagar, and Hoshiarpur. These past incidents underscore the persistent and formidable threat this disease poses to the region's pig population. Each previous outbreak has resulted in significant economic losses for farmers and necessitated massive culling efforts, serving as a stark reminder of the virus's brutal and destructive potential.

The current situation in SBS Nagar gravely emphasizes the urgent need for heightened biosecurity measures across all pig farms throughout Punjab.

Farmers are strongly advised to remain exceptionally vigilant, report any unusual sickness or sudden deaths among their pigs immediately, and adhere rigorously to government guidelines and preventative protocols. The state government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to supporting affected farmers and implementing all possible measures to bring the situation under control, safeguarding Punjab's vital animal husbandry sector from further widespread devastation.