The divisions have been told to submit quick reports concerning the death of pigs, including details of cause of death, according to The Times of India. They are also to detail investigations into the disease and the action initiated to restrict its spread.

Vasant Ramteke, additional commissioner of the state animal husbandry department told TOI, "A letter was sent to all departments a couple of days ago. Officials have been asked to carry out the surveillance of pigs more carefully and vigilantly."

Mr Ramteke said, "It has been observed that H1N1 flu has spread to many parts of the state over the last month. The number of deaths due to H1N1 flu has also gone up. Against this backdrop, we have issued fresh guidelines for surveillance of pigs in the state."

He added that the department has already taken up massive surveillance of pigs. The latest guidelines will be an additional step as a control measure as well as to increase awareness.

Mr Ramteke added, "The central government has directed us to conduct the physical surveillance of pigs as a precautionary step. At present, we are collecting weekly updates of surveillance of pig. The surveillance work will go on uninterrupted till the department receives further orders from the central government."

He said that at present there is no H1N1 flu among pigs in the state. The H1N1 flu is in the form of human-to-human at this stage.