Kohima: The Nagaland government has stepped up surveillance and containment measures following outbreaks of African Swine Fever in different parts of the state, with several districts imposing restrictions on the import, transport and sale of pigs and pork products.
According to an official statement, the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services is monitoring the situation through district veterinary officers and field staff, who are carrying out surveillance, awareness drives, sample collection and bio-security enforcement to curb the spread of the disease.
In Dimapur district, authorities declared a one-kilometre radius as an “infected zone” after laboratory confirmation of ASF cases, reported HT. The district administration prohibited movement of pigs, piglets, pork, pig feed and related products into or out of the affected zones until further orders. Slaughter, sale and transportation of pigs within the infected area have also been banned.
In another district, the administration imposed district-wide restrictions on the import, export and transportation of live pigs. The sale of pork across the district has also been temporarily banned until the situation is brought under control. Residents were advised to report symptoms such as sudden death, high fever, weakness or abnormal behaviour in pigs to veterinary authorities immediately.
Meanwhile, in Medziphema subdivision, authorities regulated the slaughter and sale of pigs and pork following reports and rumours of possible ASF cases. Officials said no pigs can be slaughtered for commercial sale without prior permission from the administration and veterinary inspection.
Authorities warned that violations of the restrictions would invite legal action. Village councils, ward authorities, traders and the public have been urged to cooperate with veterinary and district officials in surveillance and containment efforts.
African Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs. Though it does not infect humans, it can cause severe losses to pig farmers and the livestock sector.
