ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs. (Morung Photo)
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Sale, transport of pork banned in multiple districts
Kohima, May 22 (MExN): African Swine Fever (ASF) continues to spread across Nagaland, with confirmed outbreaks in Dimapur, Mon, Mokokchung and Medziphema, prompting authorities to impose strict containment measures.
The Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Nagaland, is actively undertaking surveillance, containment and biosecurity measures to control the spread of ASF affecting various parts of the state, an update from DIPR said on Friday.
The department, through District Veterinary Officers and field staff, has been conducting sample collection, awareness drives and enforcement of biosecurity protocols across affected regions.
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs. Authorities, however, clarified that the disease poses no risk to human health and is not a public health concern, though it causes “severe economic losses to pig farmers and requires immediate reporting and strict preventive measures.”
The department has appealed to pig farmers, traders, transporters, village councils, colony authorities and the general public to cooperate fully with veterinary authorities during this “challenging period.”
Farmers and residents have been advised to immediately report any sudden sickness or death of pigs to the nearest veterinary institution or office and to avoid unauthorised movement, sale, or transportation of pigs and pork products from affected areas. The public has also been urged to maintain strict farm hygiene and biosecurity practices, refrain from disposing of dead pigs in rivers, streams, forests, or open public areas, and avoid spreading unverified information regarding the outbreak.
The department acknowledged the prompt support extended by district administrations and appreciated the efforts of Chief Veterinary Officers, veterinary doctors, Veterinary Field Assistants and Mobile Veterinary Units working on the ground to contain the disease.
All media houses and members of the public have been requested to disseminate only verified information issued by the department in order to prevent misinformation and unnecessary panic.
The department said it remains committed to safeguarding the livestock sector and protecting the livelihoods of pig farmers across Nagaland through coordinated scientific and administrative interventions.
According to reports, In Mokokchung, around 652 pigs have died in the Tuli area since April 15, with one commercial farm recording 196 deaths. Dimapur administration has declared a 1-km “Infected Zone” and a 10-km “Surveillance Zone” around Signal Angami Village, banning movement, sale and transportation of pigs and pork products. Mon district has imposed a total ban on pork sale, while Medziphema has made veterinary inspection mandatory for pig slaughter.
