Kohima, Nagaland government has intensified surveillance and containment measures following the outbreak of African swine fever in various parts of the state, while several districts have imposed bans and restrictions on import, transport and sale of pigs and their products to prevent the spread of the disease.
The Directorate of Livestock and Veterinary Services is closely monitoring the situation through district veterinary officers and field staff who are actively involved in surveillance, containment, awareness campaigns, sample collection and implementation of biosecurity measures to prevent further spread of African swine fever, an official statement said here.
On Monday, the administration imposed a temporary ban on the sale of pork across the region and banned the import, export and transportation of live pigs until further orders. In Dimapur district, authorities designated infection and surveillance zones after cases of African swine fever were confirmed in pigs in Signal Angami village. The movement, slaughter and transport of pigs, pork and related products within the affected areas has been restricted.
In Medziphema Subdivision in Chumoukedima District, the slaughter and sale of pigs and pork has been regulated, with prior permission made mandatory before any commercial slaughter or sale. Mokokchung District authorities also advised the public to avoid purchasing and consuming pork in the affected areas within Tuli Township, where African swine fever outbreaks have been confirmed in Chungtia and Kangtsongjiemsen villages and Chiticulak District in Tuli Township.
Restrictions and bans on the import and transport of pigs have also been imposed in parts of Berrien and Newland counties following African swine fever fears. In the wake of the restrictions, pork shops in several parts, including Kohima, remained closed on Saturday.
Pork is one of the most favorite delicacies in Nagaland and forms an essential part of daily meals and traditional cuisine across communities in the state. The African Swine Fever outbreak and resulting restrictions are therefore expected to have a significant impact on local consumption patterns, markets and the livelihoods of thousands of pig farmers and traders who depend on the pork economy.
The directorate explained that African swine fever is a highly contagious viral disease that affects pigs, but it does not infect humans and does not constitute a public health concern. However, it warned that the disease could cause huge economic losses to pig farmers and therefore requires immediate reporting and strict preventive measures.
Appealing for public cooperation, the directorate urged pig farmers, traders, transporters, village councils, colony authorities and citizens to extend full support to it during the ongoing crisis. The general bulletin directed to immediately report any sudden illness or death of pigs to the nearest institution or veterinary office. It also warned against unauthorized movement, sale or transport of pigs and their products from the affected areas.
Farmers and pig breeders have also been advised to maintain strict agricultural hygiene and biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of transmission. The directorate also directed the public not to dispose of dead pigs in rivers, streams, forests or open public places, warning that improper disposal may exacerbate the outbreak.
The Directorate also appealed to the public to avoid panic and refrain from spreading unconfirmed information related to ASF.
She expressed appreciation for the quick support provided by district administrations and lauded the efforts of senior veterinary officials, veterinarians, veterinary field assistants and mobile veterinary units working tirelessly on the ground to contain the outbreak.
The Directorate also requested that only confirmed information issued by it be published to prevent misinformation and unnecessary panic among citizens.
The Directorate reiterated its commitment to protecting the livestock sector and stated that it would continue scientific and management interventions to protect the livelihoods of pig farmers across Nagaland.
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