Four dead pigs were found dumped near a culvert at Airfield Colony, Wokha without following proper disposal procedures. (Morung Photo)
• Council gives two-day ultimatum to pig dumpers to surrender
• Post-mortem done on dumped pigs; samples sent for ASF test
Morung Express News
Wokha | June 3
The Wokha Town Council (WTC) has strongly condemned the dumping of dead pigs at Airfield Colony and cautioned that such irresponsible actions could contribute to the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF).
Addressing the media at the site on June 3, WTC Chairman Myingthungo Kikon said that despite continuous awareness campaigns by the concerned departments and the Town Council, some individuals continue to disregard proper disposal protocols.
“It is not that awareness has not been carried out. Both the concerned department and the Town Council have been actively informing the public about ASF and the measures required to prevent its spread. However, such actions are very concerning and disheartening,” he said.
Kikon informed that four dead pigs were found dumped near a culvert at Airfield Colony without following proper disposal procedures. “The WTC strongly condemned the act and has initiated an investigation to identify those responsible,” he said.
According to Kikon, initial investigations suggest that the dead pigs were not from household piggery units but were likely imported pigs maintained at slaughterhouses. He added that the Town Council had earlier carried out surveys and inspections of slaughterhouses across the town, including verification of pig inventories, as part of its ASF monitoring efforts.
Although the individual responsible has not yet been identified, they are continuing its investigation. He also urged the person involved to report to the WTC within two days.
To prevent similar incidents, Kikon urged the public to inform the WTC in cases where proper disposal facilities are unavailable. “The Council would guide individuals on the appropriate use of the WTC dumping site for the safe disposal of dead animals,” he said.
“People should not dispose of dead animals indiscriminately. Proper disposal methods must be followed to prevent the spread of diseases,” he stated.
He further warned that anyone found dumping dead animals in unauthorised locations would face strict action under the law. Kikon also reiterated that the Council will cancel the trade permits of individuals found violating the rules and regulations.
Meanwhile, Airfield Colony Council Chairman Vincent Shitiri described the incident as a serious public health concern and condemned the dumping of dead pigs within the colony.
He said residents are already worried about the ongoing ASF situation and are taking precautions to prevent its spread. Dumping dead pigs near a road used daily by residents, he added, showed a lack of regard for the efforts being made by the community, the Town Council, and government departments.
Shitiri stated that the Airfield Colony Council strongly condemned the act and would take necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Providing an update on the veterinary investigation, Yanben Kikon, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon (VAS), Wokha, informed that post-mortem examinations had been conducted on the carcasses and samples would be sent to Kohima and subsequently to Guwahati for laboratory testing. “The exact cause of death will be confirmed once the laboratory reports are received,” he said.
He appealed to the public to exercise caution, noting that diseases such as ASF and Classical Swine Fever can spread rapidly, particularly during warmer months.
Kikon explained that ASF virus can survive in water for up to 60 to 90 days and in soil for approximately 30 to 40 days, increasing the risk of disease transmission if infected carcasses are not disposed of properly.
He advised pig owners to adopt recommended disposal methods such as deep burial or incineration. Before burial, appropriate disinfectants should be applied to neutralize the virus, after which the carcass should be buried in a sufficiently deep pit.
“If dead pigs are left exposed or dumped in open areas, the chances of disease transmission become significantly higher,” he cautioned.
The officials collectively appealed to the public to cooperate with preventive measures and adhere to proper disposal protocols to help contain the spread of ASF in the district.
Besides he four dead pigs found near the culvert, another dead pig packed in a rice bag was also discovered dumped at a separate location within Airfield Colony.
