African Swine Fever outbreak : Over 300 pigs culled
'Disposing carcasses in river will invite jail term'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 30 2023: Following official confirmation of the outbreak of the deadly and highly contagious African Swine Fever in the State on October 13, altogether 17 pig farms were identified as epicentres and over 300 pigs found in the infected zone have been culled and buried so far, according to Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Director Dr Ng Ibotombi.

Speaking to media persons at his Sanjenthong office today, Dr Ibotombi said that ASF was confirmed at 17 pig farms scattered in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Kakching, Thoubal, Ukhrul and Kamjong between October 13 and 25 .

Veterinary Department's task forces/rapid response teams moved to these places and culled over 300 pigs, both infected and uninfected, found within one Km radius of these farms identified as epicentres.

African Swine Fever outbreak : Over 300 pigs culled

The pigs culled within infected zones were buried properly, Dr Ibotombi said.

He said that control and containment measures have been taken up within 10 Km radius (one Km infected zone and 9 Km surveillance zone) of the epicentres.

Meanwhile, a survey work is being undertaken to ascertain whether the pigs reared within the surveillance zones are healthy or any one of them is infected, said the V&AH Director.

Saying that there are reports of disposal of pig carcasses on roads, rivers and other water bodies including the Loktak Lake, he said that this practice is highly undesirable.

Appealing to all pig farmers and their families not to dispose of pig carcasses at improper places, he sought the farmers' support to the department's efforts towards preventing further spread of the disease.

ASF is caused by a tough virus and this virus can survive in the muscle and bone marrow of both infected and dead pigs for quite a long time.

If the carcasses of pigs which died of ASF are disposed of on roads, rivers and other vacant spaces, there are strong chances of dogs, cats and birds spreading the virus to uninfected pigs and this may lead to multiple infections from one pig to another, Dr Ibotombi said.

He appealed to all pig farmers to inform the department' task force or rapid response team or nearest Veterinary office if any of their pigs dies or is found to be sick.

Dr Ibotombi warned that if anybody is found disposing of pig carcasses at improper places, they would face a jail term of one month and a fine of Rs 2000 under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act 2009 .

Second time offenders would face longer jail term and a fine of Rs 5000, he said.

Disposing pig carcasses in rivers and lakes can breed many diseases to other animals.

Veterinary Department has already written to the relevant authorities of district administration to take up stringent action against those who dispose pig carcasses at improper places, the V&AH Director said.

He said that there is neither any vaccine nor any medicine against ASF till date.

The best is prevention.