African swine flu kills 46 pigs in Parbat

Parbat, March 11: The African swine flu has taken a huge toll on pig farming in Parbat district. As many as 46 pigs have died of flu, spreading alarm among the commercial pig farmers.

A test was conducted in the livestock for swine flu in the surrounding areas of district headquarters, Kushma. After the test found the spread of African swine flu, the farmers have been asked to maintain alertness.

The Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Service, Parbat informed it conducted tests after some pigs in Kushma municipality showed the symptoms such as fever, thumping, huddling, nasal and ocular discharge and loss of appetite. The rapid kit test resulted in positive, according to Suresh Kumar Shrestha, Chief of Office.

Then the Office conducted monitoring in the areas suspected of disease and urged the farmers to keep pig sties clean, use bleaching powder and formalin to disinfect the sty, and keep separate the infected pigs. They are also asked to conduct the test in case of suspicion, bury the dead pigs and keep aloof the domestic cattle from wild boars. 

There are over 40 commercial pig farms in Parbat district. The farmers in the related areas have been asked to maintain adequate preparedness. (RSS)