GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered: Issues related to health.
Context:
African Swine Fever (ASF) is back in news again. After Mizoram witnessed the ASF outbreak, cases have been reported in Tripura.
What next?
After the outbreak, the Northeastern states have sounded high alert and asked people, especially owners of piggeries, to refrain from bringing pigs and piglets from other states and neighbouring countries, specially from Myanmar.
About African Swine Fever (ASF):
- ASF is a highly contagious and fatal animal disease that infects domestic and wild pigs, typically resulting in an acute form of hemorrhagic fever.
- It was first detected in Africa in the 1920s.
- The mortality is close to 100 per cent, and since the fever has no cure, the only way to stop it spreading is by culling the animals.
- As of now, there is no approved vaccine, which is also a reason why animals are culled to prevent the spread of infection.
Insta Curious:
Do you know the differences between African Swine fever and Classical swine fever? Read here.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- Can swine fever affect humans?
- Is it a viral disease?
- Where was it first discovered?
- Which countries have been affected by this in 2020?
- Is there any vaccine available against this?
Mains Link:
Write a note African Swine Fever, symptoms and its spread.
Sources: the Hindu.
