The Municipal authorities have launched a drive to catch roaming pigs in Puducherry region following the death of a child due to suspected Japanese Encephalitis near Ariyur.
K.Koumarane, Veterinary officer of Puducherry Municipality said, “We have caught 40 pigs roaming from the localities such as Velrampet, Kombakkampet, Murungambakkam and Thengaithittu. ”
The Deputy Director (Public Health), Puducherry, reported that a child named master Rithick, aged about three years, resident of Keezhasathamangalampet, near Ariyur, died after developing Japanese Encephalitis-like symptoms on August 1.
He further stated that another fever case was also reported from the same area and since pigs were considered as amplifying host to Japanese Encephalitis virus, the pigs rearing had to be controlled.
Notifications issued by Sub-Divisional Magistrates (North and South) based on reliable sources said that the roaming of pigs in the region under the control of their jurisdiction had caused health hazards to the public, obstruction to the movement of vehicles and danger to human life, health and safety.
Sub-Divisional Magistrates have prohibited the roaming of pigs in the public places in the region.
In the order, S. Rajamanickam, Subdivisional Magistrate (South), said that the Commissioners of Commune Panchayats of Bahour, Villianur, Nettapakkam and Mannadipet had been entrusted with the responsibility of keeping good sanitary condition.
Passing a similar order, A. Vincent Rayar, Subdivisional Magistrate (North), said that the Commisioners of Puducherry Municipality, Oulgaret Municipality and Ariankuppam Commune Panchayat had been entrusted with the responsibility of keeping good sanitary condition and preventing roaming of pigs in the locality for two months from the date of this order.
