To educate farmers and other stakeholders about African Swine Fever (ASF) in pigs, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, organised an online panel discussion. Dr Parkash Singh Brar, Director of Extension Education, said that it was a very tough time for pig farmers because ASF was previously reported only in the NorthEast States, a major market for pigs, but this disease has now been notified in the state itself. Dr Ashwani Kumar, said that this is a viral disease of pigs, spread by ticks, wild pigs, diseased pigs, and by raw meat offals. He stressed that it must be differentiated from Classical Swine Fever in which posterior paralysis is not common. Dr. Yashpal Singh Malik revealed that presently there is no treatment or vaccination for this disease. However, he said that GADVASU is working on the development of an ASF vaccine, but it will take some time. Dr. Jasbir Singh Bedi, said that this is a non-zoonotic disease that does not spread to humans. He further said that carcasses of dead animals should be disposed of by burying them in a deep pit with lime. Dr Amit Sharma said that pigs should be kept in a comfortable environment as stress may lower their immunity and expose them to diseases. Dr Charnjeet Singh Sarangal, from Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RDDL), said the Animal Husbandry Department; Punjab is doing its best to curtail the disease in the state. If a pig farmer has any doubt, he must contact the Animal Husbandry Department for early detection and containment of this disease. Sh. Sukhwinder Singh Kotli, Progressive Pig Farmer and member of the National Advisory Committee (Piggery) and Sh. Kunal Sharma, Progressive Pig Farmer from Nakodar, emphasized on availability of accurate pig farmer s numbers, controlling the influx of wild pigs from other states, which could impose a serious risk to the Punjab Pig Industry. Dr. P. K. Uppal, Former Advisor, Animal Husbandry Department, stressed on developing standard operating procedures for containing ASF as Punjab has the best pig germplasm. Dr Harpreet Singh successfully conducted the event. More than 120 diverse participants, comprising farmers, veterinary officers, extension workers, and subject matter specialists, joined this discussion. The programme lasted more than two hours. At the end, Dr. Brar explained the salient outcomes of the discussion and said that the university is always ready to help the livestock farmers of the state. Farmers can contact the university on any working day on the Tele-advisory numbers 62832-97919 and 62832-58834.
