African Swine Fever Confirmed in Pigs in Kanchanpur and Kailali Districts

African Swine Fever (ASF) infection has been confirmed in pigs raised in various locations across Kailali and Kanchanpur districts.

The ASF infection was confirmed through technical testing after pigs raised commercially began showing symptoms such as high fever, blue and red spots on various parts of the body, and sudden deaths for some time.

The Provincial Animal Disease Investigation Laboratory, Dhangadhi, mobilized a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to collect samples at the local level. Senior Veterinarian at the laboratory, Naresh Prasad Joshi, informed that after initial testing using the 'Rapid Antigen' method showed positive results, samples sent to the Central Animal Disease Investigation Laboratory in Kathmandu confirmed the disease through PCR testing. According to him, the infection has so far been observed in pigs raised by farmers in the areas of Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City and Ghodaghodi Municipality in Kailali, and Krishnapur Municipality in Kanchanpur.

“The infection is in its initial stage. If farmers do not take timely precautions and implement biosecurity measures, pig farmers will face significant financial losses,” Joshi said. “We have alerted the owners of the farms from which samples were collected and advised them to take high vigilance to prevent the infection from spreading elsewhere.”

He urged everyone to be vigilant, noting that African Swine Fever is a contagious and fatal epidemic caused by a virus in domestic pigs, swine, and wild boars. Joshi stated that the mortality rate for pigs affected by this disease can be up to 100%, making it extremely devastating in the field of animal health. “If the infection spreads, the entire herd can be wiped out, risking the farmer's years of investment and hard work turning to ash in an instant. Therefore, it is essential for farmers to be alert in time,” he said.

According to Animal Officer Ram Prasad Bhatta, infected pigs initially develop a high fever ranging from 104 to 107 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms include pigs refusing to eat or drink, lethargy, huddling together, and restlessness. He noted that the main identification sign of this disease is the appearance of red or blue spots caused by blood clotting on the skin, especially on the tips of the ears, tail, and lower abdomen.

“Additionally, symptoms such as nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, and unsteady gait are observed. Pigs die within a few days of showing these symptoms. Although this disease is not 'zoonotic' (transmissible from animal to human), the economic damage it causes is very large, directly impacting small and medium-scale farmers,” Bhatta said.

Senior Veterinarian Joshi requested that if any unusual symptoms appear in pigs anywhere, or if they start dying rapidly, farmers should immediately contact the nearest animal service branch, veterinary hospital, animal quarantine checkpoint, or the Animal Disease Investigation Laboratory without hiding the situation.