Random disposal pig carcass punishable offence: Director
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 31 2023: With incidence of pig carcasses floating in Loktak Lake reported of late amidst the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in at-least five districts, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry director Dr Ng Ibotombi has instructed district authorities to arrest those violating the law and disposing pig carcasses in rivers.

Addressing media persons at his office on Monday, Dr Ibotombi regretted that death of pigs have left many farmers in distress and informed that the department is taking up measures to contain the ASF in the state.

However, it is disturbing that certain individuals are disposing pig carcasses in the rivers.

He further informed that as the ASF virus is contiguous and survives in muscles and bone marrow of dead pigs, consumption of the carcasses by flesh eating birds and animals could spread the virus in other unaffected areas.

Moreover, dead pigs thrown into the river would contaminate the water and cause serious health issues to human beings as well.

Therefore, legal actions would be initiated against any individual for disposing dead animals in non-designated places under the Control and Prevention of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, the director elaborated.

He also stated that under the Act, guilty persons can be imprisoned and fined.

Therefore, the public should be aware of the consequences.

At present the rapid response team of the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Directorate and the district officials concerned are taking up measures to identify infected pigs, cull and bury them safely.

As of now, a total of 300 pigs in Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, Ukhrul and Kamjong have been culled and buried.

The director also appealed to the public to inform the directorate regarding infected and dead pigs.

Comment