Mass vaccination from Apr 29
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 27 2013 :
As a pre-emptive measure to check the spread of classical swine fever, Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry will commence mass vaccination of pigs from April 29 .
It was stated by Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department Director Dr Saidokhum Joute while speaking as president at the 23rd World Veterinary Day observance held at the conference hall of State Veterinary Council, Sanjenthong.
He said that classical swine fever is spread through inhalation and feeding.
He also said that the virus of the animal disease is also present in the excreta of pigs and it could be easily spread by flies.
However, the virus cannot infect human health if the meat is properly boiled/cooked.
Dr Saidokhum Joute also advised not to administer unauthorised vaccines to pigs without having prior consultations with Department experts.
If any pig is infected by the virus, no vaccine can save the said pig, he said and added that Department experts must be informed immediately regarding the infection.
Dr Saidokhum Joute also suggested piggery farm owners to vaccinate their pigs with consultation of Department experts before the virus infects the pigs.
He further said that Department experts have collected blood samples from the areas where classical swine fever was reported to be spreading.
As the the blood samples were tested positive of classical swine fever, the Department has acquired vaccines from Madhya Pradesh based Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biology.
He also urged the pig rearers of the State to take the opportunity of mass vaccination programmes scheduled to be started from April 29 .
Today's function was held under the theme, "Vaccination to protect and prevent" .
Former Directors of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, S Jaykumar and Dr Th Jiban were the chief guest and guest of honour of the programme.
Anti-rabies vaccination programmes were held at Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Churachandpur districts in connection with the observance.
More than 1000 dogs were vaccinated.