ASF cases dropping: Dr Khogendrajit
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 11 2023:
While the month of October saw spike in African Swine Fever (ASF) cases in the state, the numbers have dropped significantly, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry joint director (planning) RK Khogendrajit has stated.
Addressing a press meet at the Directorate's office near Sanjenthong on Saturday morning, Dr Khogendrajit urged farmers to adhere to the national action plan placed in effect in view of the spread of ASF in the state.
He recounted that after the diseases was confirmed-on October 31, 64 rapid action teams were formed as per the guidelines of the National Action Plan to control the outbreak.
He continued that so far, 29 epicentres are under surveillance till Friday, while a total of 1617 pigs were culled and buried with 13,634kg of feed.
A central expert team led by joint commissioner Vijay Kumar also arrived in the state to oversee the containment measures undertaken by the department, conduct spot verifications and review the action plans in place.
Dr Khogendrajit then said that Veterinary minister Khashim Vashum and the secretary concerned are closely monitoring the situation and holding review meetings on the same from time to time.
The department's staff have forsaken any holiday time so as to contain the outbreak, he conveyed while appreciating the farmers for cooperating with the department 's control and containment efforts.
All these concerted efforts have resulted in a significant drop in the number of cases.
The disease has no vaccine and as such, awareness programmes have been organised regularly to inform farmers how to prevent the disease and the steps to take in case of an outbreak.
Additionally, the department is planning to implement another action plan at the earliest, he informed.