UT News Service | Shillong, Aug 4: The State government of Meghalaya on Monday said that it suspected the death of pigs in Lamin village under Amlarem Civil Sub Division as African Swine Fever (ASF), coinciding with the death of more than 2,900 pigs in Assam due to AFS. However, the report of the samples taken has to go to the Centre, said Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong. “The report is still awaited because it has to first go to the Central government and then only a notification will come to the State government,” Tynsong said.
As per government figures, since the month of June Lamin village has recorded the death of 15 pigs so far. Tynsong said that samples of the dead pigs have been sent for testing to the North East Region Disease Diagnostic Lab at Khanapara, Guwahati.
He also informed that the concerned department will ensure that the disease does not spread to the neighbouring villages of Lamin or other parts as necessary measures have been taken to prevent it. “Also we have advised those people staying nearby the village not to slaughter pigs or consume pork till the State gets confirmation from the Central government,” Tynsong said.