The Noklak district administration has declared New Pangsha village an African Swine Fever (ASF) infected area following confirmation of the disease in laboratory tests and imposed a series of containment measures with immediate effect.
In an order issued by Deputy Commissioner, Noklak, P Mono Khiamniungan, NCS, it was stated that a tissue sample collected from New Pangsha village had tested positive for ASF at the Animal Health Centre, NERDDL, Khanapara, Guwahati. The confirmation followed a report from the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer, Noklak, while several cases of pig mortality around New Pangsha had also been reported to the Veterinary Office.
The administration stated that African Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs and that immediate preventive and containment measures were necessary to prevent further spread.
Under the order, the area within a one-kilometre radius of New Pangsha village has been declared an “Infected Zone”, while the area extending up to 10 kilometres beyond the infected zone has been designated as a “Surveillance Zone”.
The administration has strictly prohibited the slaughtering, sale, purchase and transportation of pigs and pork products within the affected area. The public has also been advised to refrain from purchasing, selling and consuming pork and pork products within the infected zone and adjoining or contiguous areas.
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The order further directed that dead pigs must be disposed of only through deep burial or incineration, in accordance with approved biosecurity and sanitary protocols.
The Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer has been directed to undertake all necessary surveillance, quarantine, containment, sanitisation and disease-control measures in accordance with government guidelines and standard operating procedures.
The administration has urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any unusual sickness, suspected infection, abnormal behaviour or sudden death of pigs to the nearest Veterinary Centre or Hospital, or the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer at 7085389972.
The restrictions will remain in force until further orders. The order was issued in the interest of public safety, animal health and effective containment of the disease.
