Kohima: Longleng’s Deputy Commissioner has confirmed an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) at a piggery farm situated in Yachem Village, triggering an immediate alert across the district.
The confirmation follows laboratory analysis that verified the presence of the virulent disease, coinciding with a reported surge in pig mortalities within the affected area.
In a swift move to stem the disease’s propagation, the administration has delineated two critical containment zones: a 1-kilometer radius surrounding the infected farm, designated as the “Infected Zone,” and a 10-kilometer radius beyond this, marked as the “Surveillance Zone.” These zones are now subject to stringent regulatory measures.
To enforce containment, the DC has imposed a complete ban on the export, import, and transit of pigs, piglets, pork, and all pig-derived products from the Infected Zone. Simultaneously, a heightened surveillance protocol has been activated within the Surveillance Zone, mandating meticulous monitoring of all pig farms, markets, and slaughterhouses. Farmers and vendors are now under strict orders to promptly report any abnormal pig deaths or suspected cases of ASF to the local veterinary department.
The authorities have appealed to the collective responsibility of farmers, meat vendors, and the public, emphasizing the critical need for cooperation to effectively manage the outbreak and mitigate potential economic losses. The DC has also issued a stern warning, stating that non-compliance with the prescribed preventive measures will result in legal action under applicable laws.
While African Swine Fever is known to be highly lethal to pigs, it poses no risk to human health. Nevertheless, the outbreak presents a significant economic challenge to local farmers and the pork industry within Nagaland, underscoring the urgency of the containment measures.
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