It is learnt that a viral infection is believed to have caused the death of pigs in the Modsai area of Fatorda in the last few days. Officials of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Hospital, Sonsodo have reportedly said that preliminary inquiry revealed that the pigs have died due to viral infection, however the owner should get the pigs for postmortem examination if they suspect poisoning. It is understood that deaths of pigs were reported in Maina-Curtorim last month and the cause of the death according to a veterinary doctor was viral infection. Pork meat is a delicacy among the Catholic community in the state and is consumed regularly as also during feasts and other occasions. Hence it seems absolutely necessary for the authorities to conduct a random check on pigs at various piggeries. It is understood that with an antibiotic-therapy the secondary infection in pigs can be prevented. It is also necessary to verify if the viral infection in the pigs can be transmitted to humans. If there have been cases of death of pigs due to a virus it would be prudent to stop the piggery activities in the locality till such time officials of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Hospital clarify that the virus is no longer active among pigs there.
