The Animal Husbandry department on Friday confirmed the outbreak of African Swine Fever in Ward 6 of Mulankunnathukavu grama panchayat in Thrissur. The disease was confirmed after tests at the NIHSAD laboratory in Bhopal, officials said.Following the confirmation, a Rapid Response Team (RRT) under the department has begun containment operations. A 1-km radius around the affected farm has been declared infected zone, and a 10-km stretch surveillance zone. Strict restrictions have been imposed on the sale of pork, functioning of outlets, and transport of pigs outside the district, as directed by District Collector Arjun Pandian. The steps are in line with the Centre’s Plan of Action.Affects only pigsChief Veterinary Officer Isaac Sam said that the disease affected only pigs and did not spread to humans or other animals. The RRT includes senior veterinary officers, surgeons, livestock inspectors, and supporting staff.Meanwhile, offering relief to farmers, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Minister J. Chinchurani handed over ₹8 lakh as compensation to pig farmer Manesh of Kadangode panchayat, who lost 87 pigs to a similar outbreak earlier. The aid was distributed during the Ksheera Sangamam at PCK Auditorium, Vellangallur, on Friday. The Minister said the relief measures were aimed at providing the much-needed support to farmers reeling from the financial blow caused by the fresh outbreak. Published - September 26, 2025 07:32 pm IST