GORKHA, June 30: More than 250 pigs and swine have died in Gorkha after an outbreak of African swine fever spread across several farms in the district over the past two months.
The Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Services Expert Center in Gorkha said the disease has killed over 250 pigs so far, with infections reported in farms across several local levels.
According to Center Chief Ananta Koirala, 80 pigs at the farm of farmer Raj Kumar Shrestha in Manavsewa Ashram Tole of Gorkha Municipality-6 and 10 pigs at the farm of Juna Regmi in the same area have died due to the infection. Similarly, 60 pigs at the farm of Dhan Kumar Gurung in Mandredhunga died within two weeks.
36 pigs died due to African swine fever in Barahakshetra
The remaining deaths were reported from other farms affected by the outbreak, officials said.
Koirala said the infection has been detected in pig farms in Gorkha Municipality wards 6, 7 and 8, as well as Shahid Lakhan Rural Municipality-7. The disease was first identified in the district around two months ago.
“There is currently no treatment or vaccine available for this disease. Once pigs and swine become infected, death is almost certain. The virus can spread through human contact, feed and medicines brought from infected areas,” Koirala said.
He said maintaining preventive measures is the only way to control the spread as there is no available treatment.
“Reports have been coming in of pigs and swine dying continuously due to African swine fever. While some farms are registered, others are not, so the actual number of affected animals could be higher,” Koirala said.
He advised farmers to avoid contact with infected sheds and contaminated areas to prevent further spread of the disease.
Farmer Dhan Kumar Gurung said infected pigs usually develop fever, stop eating, show spots or marks on their bodies and die within about a week after symptoms appear.
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