Nagaland tightens ASF curbs across affected districts

DIMAPUR, MAY 21 (NPN): Authorities in Dimapur, Mon and Medziphema have imposed restrictions on movement, sale and slaughter of pigs and pork following confirmed and suspected outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) in parts of Nagaland.
In Dimapur, after laboratory confirmation of ASF cases at Signal Angami village, the district administration declared a 1-km radius as an “infected zone” and a 10-km radius as a “surveillance zone” to contain the spread of the disease.
In a press note, deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur Dr. Tinojongshi Chang prohibited movement of pigs, piglets, pork, pig feed, carcasses and related products into or out of the infected and surveillance zones until further orders. Slaughter, sale, transportation and congregation of pigs within the infected area have also been banned. Pig farmers and residents were directed to report unusual sickness or deaths of pigs to veterinary authorities. Farm owners were asked to maintain strict biosecurity measures, including disinfection and restricted farm access, while disposal of carcasses must follow Veterinary Department protocols and Government of India guidelines.
The veterinary department and law enforcement agencies have been tasked with surveillance and monitoring. The administration warned that violators would face legal action.
Meanwhile, the DC appealed to village and ward councils, pig farmers, vendors, transporters and the public to cooperate with the district administration and veterinary department to prevent further spread of the disease.
Mon: In Mon district, DC Wennyei Konyak imposed district-wide restrictions following reports of ASF outbreaks in parts of Nagaland and adjoining districts. The order prohibited import, export and transportation of live pigs from Mon district to other districts and outside the state, as well as imports into the district, until further notice. A total ban on sale of pork across the district has also been imposed until the situation is brought under control.
Movement of pigs without prior clearance from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has been prohibited. Citizens were advised to report pigs showing symptoms such as sudden death, high fever, weakness, skin discolouration or abnormal behaviour to veterinary authorities.
Medziphema: In Medziphema, additional deputy commissioner (ADC) James Swu issued a precautionary circular following reported cases and rumours of a possible ASF outbreak within the sub-division.
Pending laboratory confirmation, the administration directed that no pigs be slaughtered for commercial sale or distribution without prior permission from the ADC office. Livestock inspector Kevilelie Keyho has been tasked with verification and inspection of pigs before approval is granted.
Authorities warned that sale, transportation or distribution of pork without approval and verification would invite legal action.
Village councils, GBs, ward authorities, butchers, meat vendors and the public have been directed to cooperate with veterinary and district authorities in surveillance and containment efforts.