ASF epicentres in IE identified
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 25 2023:
Identifying the epicentre, infected zone and surveillance zone of Imphal East district with regard to the recent African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak, the State Government has prohibited the movement of pigs (dead or alive) in these controlled areas.
A notification issued by Shamim Ahmad Shah, Additional Deputy Commi- ssioner, Imphal East has identified three farms as epicentres of the ASF outbreak in Imphal East district.
These are the pig farms of i) Salam Dineshor at Sekta Makha Leikai ii) N Johnson Meitei at Moirang Kampu and iii) Laitonjam Paikhomba at Sawombung Wairi.
Areas within 1 km radius of the aforementioned three farms have been notified as the infected zone and areas within 10 km radius as the surveillance zone while the epicentre, infected and surveillance zones are collectively termed as the controlled area.
Aside from the prohibition on movement of pigs, the State Government has also prohibited the movement and sale of pork and feed within the infected zone and use of materials that could have come in contact with the infected or suspected to be infected animals.
The notification added that culling of all pigs in the infected zone will be done by officials of the Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department by following proper protocols.
All equipment/tools as well as vehicles used in the pig farms will be restricted from further usage/movement without following proper protocols, said the notification.
Further it cautioned that any person who contravenes the provisions of the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Disease in Animals Act, 2009 or obstructs the competent officer in performing their duties will be held guilty of an offence punishable under the Act.