Kohima: Authorities across Nagaland have intensified preventive and containment measures following the detection and suspected spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in several districts, with fresh restrictions imposed in Dimapur, Mon and Medziphema.
Dimapur declares infected and surveillance zones
Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, has declared infected and surveillance zones after laboratory confirmation of ASF-positive cases in pigs at Signal Angami Village under Dimapur district.
According to an official notification issued on May 20, a 1-km radius from the affected area at Signal Angami Village has been declared an “Infected Zone”, while a 10-km radius has been designated as a “Surveillance Zone”.
The administration has completely banned the movement of pigs and piglets from the infected and surveillance zones to non-infected areas.
The order further prohibited the movement of pigs, pork, pig feed, carcasses and other pig-related products into and out of the affected zones. Slaughter, sale, transportation and congregation of pigs within the infected area have also been banned until further orders.
Pig farmers and residents have been directed to immediately report any unusual sickness or death of pigs to the nearest Veterinary Officer or the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services.
The administration also instructed pig farm owners to maintain strict bio-security measures, including regular disinfection and restricted farm access.
The order stated that disposal of pig carcasses would be carried out strictly in accordance with Veterinary Department protocols and Government of India guidelines. The Veterinary Department, along with law enforcement agencies, will continue surveillance and monitoring in the affected areas.
The Deputy Commissioner warned that violation of the order would invite legal action under relevant provisions of law.
Mon restricts pig movement and pork sale
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Mon, Wennyei Konyak, informed citizens that reports had been received regarding ASF outbreaks in certain parts of Nagaland, including adjoining districts.
Describing ASF as a highly contagious viral disease posing a serious threat to pig populations, the DC said immediate preventive and containment measures were necessary to prevent further transmission.
In an order issued on May 21, the district administration prohibited the export, import and transportation of live pigs from Mon district to other districts and outside the state, as well as the import of pigs from outside the district, until further orders.
No person, trader, transporter, firm or association will be allowed to transport or facilitate the movement of pigs without prior clearance and certification from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services.
The administration also imposed a temporary ban on the sale of pork across the district until the ASF situation is brought under control.
All check gates, police personnel, veterinary officials and administrative officers have been directed to strictly monitor and enforce the order.
Residents have been asked to immediately report pigs showing symptoms such as sudden death, high fever, weakness, skin discoloration or abnormal behaviour to the nearest veterinary authority.
The slaughter, sale or transportation of suspected infected pigs has also been prohibited.
Village councils, ward authorities, GBs and community leaders have been directed to cooperate with the district administration and veterinary department in surveillance and containment efforts.
The DC warned that violators would face penal action under relevant laws, including provisions of the Disaster Management Act and epidemic-related regulations.
Medziphema regulates slaughter and pork sale
In Medziphema subdivision, Additional Deputy Commissioner James Swu issued a circular in view of reported cases and rumours surrounding a possible ASF outbreak.
Pending confirmation of laboratory test results, the administration has regulated the slaughter and sale of pigs and pork in the subdivision.
The order stated that no individual, butcher, trader or farmer would be allowed to slaughter pigs for commercial sale or distribution without prior permission from the district administration.
Persons intending to slaughter pigs for sale have been directed to report to the ADC office and obtain necessary approval.
Verification and inspection of pigs will be carried out by Livestock Inspector Kevilelie Keyho, the authorised official designated for the purpose. Slaughter will only be permitted after official clearance.
The sale, transportation or distribution of pork without approval and verification will be treated as a violation of the order and action will be taken as per law.
Village authorities, GBs, ward authorities, butchers, meat vendors and residents have been directed to strictly comply with the order in the interest of public health and disease containment.
The order came into force on May 20 and will remain effective until further notification.
Also Read | Nagaland disability rights advocate urges govt to procure accessible buses