DIMAPUR: Swine fever continues to spread in Nagaland as the disease has been detected in several parts of the state since it was detected in the month of May.
Today, the district administration of Dimapur has declared Thahekhu Block-7 as an infected zone following the confirmation of African Swine Fever (ASF) cases in pigs in the area.
Issued by deputy commissioner, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, the Chief Veterinary Officer, Dimapur, reported laboratory-confirmed ASF cases in pigs at Thahekhu Block-7. ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, necessitating immediate containment measures to prevent further spread.
The administration has ordered that Thahekhu Block-7 and the affected premises be declared an infected zone, with containment measures to be implemented in accordance with the Government of India guidelines on ASF.
As part of the restrictions, the movement of pigs, piglets, pork, pork products, feed, equipment, and other potentially contaminated materials into or out of the infected area has been strictly regulated.
Last month, it was reported that the pig tissue samples collected from the farm of Ward-9 of Medziphema Town near Dimapur, Tseminyu village near Kohima and also from other parts of the state were tested positive for African Swine Fever (ASF). Several reports of pig mortality around Tseminyu were reported to the Veterinary Hospital, Tseminyu.
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Earlier on May 21, the African Swine Fever (ASF) case was detected in the Nagaland commercial hub, Dimapur.
Meanwhile, following all these reports, the concerned administrations have issued press releases declaring infected and surveillance zones following the detection and laboratory confirmation of African Swine Fever (ASF) positive cases in pigs at Signal Angami village under Dimapur district.
According to the notifications, a 1 km radius from the infected area has been declared as the Infected Zone, while a 10 km radius from the infected zone has been declared as the Surveillance Zone. The movement of pigs and piglets from the infected and surveillance zones to non-infected areas has been completely banned.
The orders further stated that the movement of pigs, pork, pig feed, carcasses, and other pig-related products into and out of the infected and surveillance zones has been strictly prohibited. Slaughter, sale, transportation, and congregation of pigs within the infected area will also remain banned until further orders.
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Pig farmers and residents have been advised to immediately report any unusual sickness or death of pigs to the nearest Veterinary officer or department. The administration also directed all pig farm owners to maintain proper bio-security measures, including disinfection and restricted farm access.
The disposal of pig carcasses will be carried out strictly as per Veterinary department protocols and Government of India guidelines. The Veterinary department along with law enforcement agencies will conduct surveillance and monitoring in the affected areas.
The administration warned that any violation of the order would invite necessary legal action under the relevant provisions of law.
All concerned departments, village and ward councils, pig farmers, pork vendors, transporters, and the general public have been requested to extend full cooperation to contain and prevent the further spread of African Swine Fever in the district.
