Steps taken up to contain ASF: Dr L Gojendro
Source: Chronicle News Service
Bishnupur, October 18 2023:
Informing that 11 pigs have died of African Swine Fever (ASF) infection in Moirang Shribon area in past one-two days, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Bishnupur joint director Dr L Gojendro said that the department has started taking up control, containment and eradication measures.
Addressing a press meet held at his office, here, on Wednesday, Dr L Gojendro stated that to ensure that no more deaths occur due to ASF, skin, lungs and kidney samples have been taken from infected pigs which will now be sent for testing at a laboratory in Guwahati, Assam.
Mentioning that it is unfortunate that the disease has hit farmers at a time when the state is in turmoil, he revealed that the government has chalked out plans for providing compensation to the affected pig farmers.
Dr Gojendro also revealed that the 11 dead ASF infected pigs belonged to Ph Budhachandra Singh of Moirang Kokilbon and steps have been taken to cull and bury all pigs reared within 1 km radius of the said area.
Steps will be also taken to save or cull pigs being reared in surveillance zone i.e., within 10 km of the affected area.
All the pigs in infected zone will definitely be culled and buried under three-four layers, he added, while appealing to all the pig farmers in the zone to not hide their pigs from culling process.
He also warned that if anyone is found Concealing their livestock, then they will bear the consequences.
Dr Gojendro further emphasised that the department is sanitising the areas near the epicentre to stop further infection.
Pig farmers will be provided with high quality feed for pigs in 40-50 days and if the said pigs do not show any symptoms, then they will declare ASF free, he said.
Dr Gojendro also urged pork sellers not to sell meat of infected pigs and to cease selling pork in local market till all investigations are completed.