Pig catchers in Hubballi-Dharwad must take Covid-19 test

Hubballi: Those signing up to catch pigs will mandatorily have to undergo a Covid-19 test, Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation has said. The directive comes in the run-up to a planned drive to eradicate the stray pig menace in the twin cities.
The problem has become acute this monsoon with sounders of swine roaming freely around and dirtying the place, especially in extension areas such as Keshwapur, Gokul Road, Old Hubballi, Navanagar besides others.To put an end to this menace, HDMC has roped hig catchers from Tamil Nadu and Tumakuru, but to ensure they don’t spread the virus, the corporation has decided on mandatory tests.
Dr Ravi Saligoudar, a veterinary doctor with the corporation, said due to the lockdown, the corporation was unable to keep the pig population in check. “Now we have begun to round up strays and already 70 pigs have been shifted from Hubballi city. We will launch a full-fledged drive soon,” Saligoudar said.
Saligoudar said the Covid-19 test was a precautionary measure, in keeping with the circumstances. “As soon as the catchers reach Hubballi, we will subject them to rapid antigen tests. They will be part of the drive only if they test negative. We have already informed contractors that tests are mandatory. It is also acceptable if they produce the latest test report from their place.”
Suresh Itnal, commissioner, HDMC, said Covid-19 cases have been increasing by the day in the twin cities, but other work cannot be neglected. “We need to carry out this drive at the earliest, but we also need to take all precautions,” Itnal said.