African Swine Fever Confirmed in Nashik as Authorities Seal Off Pathardi Zone

Nashik authorities have confirmed African Swine Fever (ASF) within the city, prompting swift action to cordon off Pathardi Shivar—the municipal dumping area now identified as the center of the outbreak. Although ASF is highly contagious among pigs, officials have stressed that the virus poses absolutely no threat to humans.

Source: deccanherald

Following laboratory results, a one-kilometer radius around Pathardi has been officially marked as an infected zone, with a wider ten-kilometer belt designated for surveillance. District Collector Ayush Prasad has placed the Animal Husbandry Department on heightened alert, urging vigilance for any unusual pig deaths or symptoms.

Early signs of the disease have already appeared in pigs within the Nashik Municipal Corporation region, raising the urgency of monitoring efforts. Farmers, residents, NGOs and gram panchayats have been encouraged to report suspected cases immediately to the nearest government veterinary hospital to ensure rapid response.

Deputy Commissioner for Animal Husbandry, Dr. Prashant Dharmadhikari, moved to reassure the public, explaining that ASF does not spread to humans and there is no cause for alarm. He noted that no pigs are currently located within the one-kilometer infected radius and confirmed that all recommended precautions are now in force.

Officials say containment measures are fully active, and every effort is being made to prevent the disease from advancing beyond the affected area.