CAU declared ASF epicentre, Imphal West unsafe
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 13 2023: Following confirmation of outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in a farm of the All India Co-ordinated Research Project (AICRP) at Central Agricultural University, Iroisemba; the state government has issued alert and declared the whole Imphal West district as controlled area for ASF with immediate effect.

However, the notification did not mention anything about Kakching district, which has also been reporting death of pigs under similar circumstances.

However, addressing the media at the directorate's office near Sanjenthong, Imphal on Friday, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry director Dr Ng Ibotombi explained that though African Swine Fever is a high morbidity disease for pigs it does not transmit to human and public has no reason to worry about health crisis.

He also said that 15 samples have been collected from Kakching, Moirang, Lamlai and Ukhrul areas and sent to Assam for confirmation.

He appealed to pig farmers to report any suspected ASF to the nearby veterinary offices or the directorate.

He urged them to keep the pigsty clean and limit entry of people.

Clothes used in feeding and taking care of the pigs should be washed properly while shoes should be cleaned with phenyl.

He also urged farmers to vaccinate uninfected pigs to prevent infection.

Meanwhile, in an order issued Friday, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Services designated the Pig Farm at CAU as the epicentre of the ASF outbreak.

Immediate measures are being initiated under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Disease in Animals Act, 2009, and in accordance with the National Action Plan, 2020.These measures are aimed at preventing, controlling, and eradicating the ASF disease in the affected zone, covering a 1 km radius from the infected premises, it said.

The order imposed strict regulations within the controlled area, prohibited movement of pigs or any animal suspected to be infected, along with associated feed or materials.

Any contravention of these regulations or obstruction of competent officers carrying out their duties is considered an offence punishable under the Act, it said.

Authorities, including the DC of Imphal West district and the director of veterinary & animal husbandry services are coordinating efforts to implement surveillance zones covering a 10 km radius and free zones beyond.

These zones are critical in monitoring and managing the spread of ASF and safeguarding the broader community against the disease, the order said.

It emphasised the importance of strict compliance with the outlined measures to contain the outbreak effectively and protect the pig population and associated livestock in Manipur.

Following the initial detection of morbidity among the pig population at the CAU Farm on October 6, alarming symptoms including anorexia, high fever, dyspnoea, vomiting, and diarrhoea were observed.

One female sow succumbed to the disease despite necessary treatment.

A post-mortem examination was promptly conducted on the carcass by a dedicated team from the Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at the farm site on the same day.

On October 9, a thorough post-mortem examination took place, and a total of seven clinical samples were collected.

These vital samples were sent to the North Eastern Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (NERDDL) located in Khanapara, Guwahati on October 10.The confirmation of ASF outbreak arrived at through the test results obtained on the evening of October 12, verifying the presence of ASF viral DNA.

Subsequently, the situation escalated with reports of increased mortality among the remaining pigs, affecting 21 out of the initial 29 pigs in the farm.

In response to this concerning development, an additional three clinical samples were promptly collected from the affected farm and sent to NERDDL for further analysis.

To mitigate the risk of further infection, all carcasses were subjected to thorough post-mortem examinations by the expert laboratory team and subsequently deeply buried as a precautionary measure.

The authorities and stakeholders are intensifying efforts to contain the spread of ASF and mitigate its impact on the pig population in the affected region, the order added.

Since the beginning of this month, there has been a concerning rise in unexplained pig deaths in Kakching district, particularly in areas like Langmeidong, Thounaojam, Yangdong, and Elangkhanpokpi.

Locals suspect a potential outbreak of an unidentified swine disease.

Affected pigs exhibit symptoms resembling viral fever and perish Within around five days, leaving pig farmers grappling with substantial losses.

To mitigate financial impact, farmers are selling deceased pigs at reduced prices.

Simultaneously, meat shops in Imphal and nearby areas are offering discounted pig steaks, raising public health concerns about the potential hazards associated with consuming meat from diseased pigs.

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