Civic body to take a pig count as precaution against Nipah

The fear of Nipah outbreak has prompted authorities and Health Department officials to count the city’s pig population and make sure they do not become the source of the virus’ spread.

While the agencies would examine the pigs and sterilise them, this would also give the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) a chance to determine the pig population in the city and the ways of controlling them.

Focus fell on the animals after reports suggested that pigs and bats are the main carriers of Nipah virus. Karnataka is following Kerala’s example in sterilising the pigs to curtail the spread of the virus.

Mayor Sampath Raj told DH that the civic body is in consultation with Health Department officials and experts. Meetings are also being held to discuss the ways of handling the pigs. A team would supervise the process.

Raj underscored the need to remove the pigs from their dwellings and sterilise them. “Talks are on to discuss the ways of curtailing the virus spread. (Handling the pigs) is only a precautionary measure. This doesn’t mean all pigs will be eliminated; only those affected pigs will be culled. We’re awaiting government orders on the next course of action,” he added.

Raj said BBMP is working out plans to curb the bats in the city, besides consulting the Health Department on the chemical combination to be sprayed in the pigpens. The departments will also be holding consultations with pig and cattle owners on the steps to be taken to identify and control the virus.