Farmers urged to aid pig culling exercise
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 29 2023:
Manipur Progressive Pig Farmers' Association has appealed to the general populace to extend cooperation to officials of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Department as and when the latter come for culling pigs at farms that fall under African Swine Fever (ASF) affected zone so as to prevent further spread of the contagious disease.
Addressing media persons in this regard at Manipur Press Club, here, on Sunday, Association's joint secretary L Vidyasagar said that as part of the measures taken up by the start government to check spread of ASF, affected pigs are being culled.
So, instead of creating an alarming situation for the pig farmers when their pigs are found to be affected by ASF, public should encourage and aid the pig farmers stop further spread of the disease.
Moreover, the pig farmers should not discard the pig carcasses in rivers and fields as such action could lead to further spread of the disease.
He also appealed to all concerned not to sell and consume meat of affected pigs in order to ensure effective containment measures.
Any information related to dead of pigs should be conveyed to the veterinary department or contact the phone numbers 8837091159 and 9615736909 of the association.
Stating that since there is no vaccine for ASF as of now, the public need to take extreme precautionary measures to prevent spread of the disease, Vidyasagar said that as of now 90 percent of pigs have died due to ASF and as such it would take some time to stabilise breeding stock.
Lauding the minister concerned for announcing insurance for pig farmers mandatory, he also urged the minister to implement it at the earliest and also cover ASF under the policy.
He also urged the department concerned to set up a slaughter house in the state in public interest.