ASF outbreak : More farms in IW tagged as epicentres
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 26 2023: A day after several pig farms in Imphal East district were declared as epicentres of the African Swine Fever (ASF), more farms in Imphal West district have been declared as epicentres and contaminated zones today.

Laboratory reports have confirmed the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in pigs at certain locations under Imphal West district, said a notification issued by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Dr N Joshnson Meetei.

The notification identified five farms as known epicentres of the ASF in Imphal West.

The epicentres include farms owned by Tongjam Arunkumar located at Lilong Chajing Mamang Leikai, L Vidyasagar Singh located at Konthoujam Maning Leikai, Ch Dhruvatara Khaba located at Loitang Khunou and Luker and farm owned by L Laingam Singh located at Sairemkhul.

Areas under 10 kilometre radius of the epicentres have also been declared as controlled areas with immediate effect to effectively prevent, control and eradicate the ASF disease, said the notification.

Following the declaration of the areas as epicentres and controlled areas, movement of pigs (dead or alive) and sale of pork and feeds have been prohibited in the infected areas.

Movement of all equipment/tools and vehicles used in the farms that are having pigs either infected or suspected to be infected have also been restricted from movement.

Culling of pigs in the infected zones shall be done by officials of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department following disease protocol, said the notification.

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs, whose mortality rate may reach 100 percent.

ASF is not a danger to human health, but its spread could have an impact on pig population and the farming economy.

Sale of pork in the State have plummeted since the outbreak of the ASF in mid October.

The Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department confirmed the outbreak of ASF in Manipur on October 13 .

The Department has not yet released the numbers of pigs killed and culled.

Comment