Altogether 38 pigs out of 835 that arrived Nagaland in four-decker truck from Haryana on Thursday were found dead and disposed off in Dimapur.
According to Dimapur District Veterinary Hospital in-charge Dr KN Zubemo Humtsoe, the pigs died due to stress, exertion and suffocation and that no other illness were detected, adding that there was even travel fitness certificate from a veterinarian in Haryana as it was purchased from organised farm.
The truck carrying the pigs took about 10 days to reach Nagaland through Dillai gate, Dimapur, he added. He said it took about 12 hours for the officials to inspect every pig during which 38 dead carcasses were found on inspection. But since there was no proper facility at Dillai, the trucks were taken to supplier’s stock yard at Sovima village. And from morning till around 10 p.m., every pig was screened for any illness etc. Humtsoe claimed that the carcasses were then punctured, applied phenyl and disposed at a private land adhering to all safety guidelines.
Referring to some people taking a photo of the carcasses and circulating it on social media, Humtsoe clarified that the carcasses were disposal buried in the presence of Chumukedima OC, DMC officials, consignee and other officials.
Rest of the pigs would be quarantined for 10 days under veterinary department’s supervision and cleared for public consumption only after that, he added. He also informed that another consignment of 500-600 pigs were expected to arrive Nagaland. Humtsoe assured that the department would take all necessary steps to screen the pigs for public safety.