Dr. Kikali G.Sumi, VAS, QCP Merapani with veterinary staff conducting field investigation on reported Afrina Swine Fever, at Merapani Village, Bhandari, Wokha. (DIPR Photo)
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 29 (MExN): The Additional Deputy Commissioner of Bhandari has issued an order prohibiting slaughter, import, export and transportation of pigs, piglets, live pigs and pork (meat) from Merapani area following reports of pig deaths and a suspected outbreak of swine fever.
The directive came after the Village Council Chairman of Merapani and the office of the Assistant Veterinary Surgeon, Merapani, reported unusual pig mortality in the area.
The ADC said the restrictions would remain in force until further notice to contain the outbreak.
Confirming the outbreak of the disease among the swine population in Merapani, Dr Kikali G Sumi, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, Quarantine Check Post, Merapani, said African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious haemorrhagic viral disease of domestic and wild pigs which may result in “100% mortality rate, causing loss to the economy.”
The ADC explained that the public should be alert to clinical signs and symptoms which include “reddening of skin, abdomen, legs and ears accompanied by cases of fever, loss of appetite, weakness, vomiting and diarrhoea, as well as abortion in pregnant sows,” adding that “most death occur within ten days.”
Dr Sumi clarified that ASF is not a zoonotic disease and does not pose a health risk to humans. However, she cautioned the public to remain vigilant and “avoid slaughter of sick pigs for consumption of pork, and exercise proper disposal of carcass according to veterinary advice to contain further spread of the outbreak.”
She further urged the public to immediately report any such cases to the nearest Veterinary Health Centres without delay.
