The outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Assam’s Darrang district has intensified, prompting the culling of livestock and the enforcement of containment measures across affected areas.
On Thursday, a team from the veterinary department, under the supervision of Executive Magistrate Tanmoy Bora, culled 60 pigs from two farms in Kabikara village, which falls under the Niz Dahi veterinary hospital. The action was carried out in accordance with official protocol. Dr Ajay Bania, veterinary officer from Mangaldai, stated that the infected pigs were culled as per the department’s standard guidelines.
This follows an earlier culling operation on 7 June, during which 104 infected pigs were removed from Kamarpara village under the Mangaldai Revenue Circle. Dr Bania added that surveillance of pig-rearing farms in the district has been intensified, with immediate blood sampling initiated when signs of infection are observed.
He explained that African Swine Fever typically becomes active in May and June, and emphasised that the spread of the disease can be mitigated through regular deworming and by maintaining hygiene in and around livestock enclosures.
In response to the outbreak, the Darrang district administration has declared both Kabikara and Kamarpara villages as epicentres of the disease. Affected areas within a one-kilometre radius of these villages have been designated as infected zones, while a ten-kilometre radius has been marked as a surveillance zone.
Movement of pigs, pig feed, pork, and related products into or out of the infected zones is now prohibited. Vehicles transporting animals or potentially contaminated materials must possess sanitisation certification from animal health authorities. The relocation of pigs suspected of carrying the virus is also forbidden, and individuals are barred from transporting pig products or materials that may have been exposed to infection.
Additionally, the organisation of livestock markets, exhibitions, or any public event involving pigs has been banned in these zones.
Surveillance zones will be subject to all of the above restrictions, with the exception of mandatory culling. Veterinary officials will monitor pig populations continuously, and the forest department will oversee domestic pigs in areas bordering forested regions.
All local bodies and staff have been instructed to cooperate with veterinary officers in implementing the measures under the Animal Disease Act. Authorities have also strictly banned the disposal of pig carcasses in water bodies, noting that violations will attract legal action.
The Darrang administration has appealed to the public and livestock owners to comply with the restrictions to help prevent the further spread of the disease.
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