Over 250 Pigs Die from African Swine Fever in Gorkha

Kathmandu-More than 250 pigs have died from an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Gorkha over the past two months, according to the Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Service Expert Center.Center Chief Ananta Koirala said that 80 pigs died at the farm of Rajkumar Shrestha in Manav Sewa Ashram Tol, Gorkha Municipality–6, while another 10 pigs died at the farm of Juna Regmi.

Similarly, 60 pigs died within two weeks at the farm of Dhankumar Gurung in Mandredhunga. The remaining deaths have been reported from several other pig farms affected by the outbreak.

The disease has spread to pig farms in Gorkha Municipality Wards 6, 7, and 8, as well as Ward 7 of Shahid Lakhan Rural Municipality, Koirala said.Officials warned that the virus can spread when proper biosecurity measures are not followed. It may also be transmitted through contaminated feed and medicines. Common symptoms of African Swine Fever include high fever, loss of appetite, and red or dark spots appearing on the animal’s body.