Agriculture ministries in affected regions have jointly advised farmers on new, rigorous separation techniques designed to prevent bat-to-pig transmission of the Nipah virus.
The link between fruit bats and livestock, particularly pigs, has been identified as a significant vector for amplification of the virus. When bats contaminate pig feed or water with saliva or urine, the virus can spread rapidly through the herd, eventually jumping to humans.
New Guidelines for Farmers
The announced measures mandate several key structural and operational changes for farms located in high-risk zones:
- Physical Barriers: Installation of fine-mesh netting over pigsties to prevent bat entry.
- Feed Protection: Covering all feed and water troughs to avoid contamination from bat droppings.
- Buffer Zones: Removal of fruit-bearing trees from the immediate vicinity of livestock pens.
- Quarantine Protocols: Mandatory 30-day isolation for new livestock before integration into the main herd.
"Biosecurity is our first line of defense. By securing our farms, we are protecting our families and our food supply."
Support and Subsidies
Recognizing the cost of these upgrades, the government has announced a subsidy package to assist small-scale farmers. Grants will be available for purchasing netting and upgrading roofing structures.
Health Monitoring
In addition to physical barriers, a new veterinary surveillance program will conduct regular health checks on livestock. Farmers are urged to report any sudden illness in their animals immediately to the designated localized veterinary officers.
