DIMAPUR, JUN 8 (NPN): Even as authorities have initiated various measures to contain African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak across the state, the highly contagious viral disease has now been detected in Kohima district, prompting the district administration to impose strict containment measures after a positive laboratory test confirmed the infection at Thizama village.
The latest outbreak adds to the growing ASF crisis in the state, where infections have already been reported from Mokokchung, Mon, Dimapur, Chümoukedima, Tseminyu and Phek districts, triggering movement restrictions, pork trade bans and heightened surveillance in affected areas.
In an order, deputy commissioner (DC) Kohima, B Henok Buchem, stated that a laboratory report received from the animal husbandry and veterinary services (AH&VS) department confirmed the presence of ASF at Thizama village, necessitating immediate containment measures to prevent further spread.
Accordingly, an Infected Zone has been declared within a 1-km radius of the affected premises, while a 10-km radius has been designated as a Surveillance Zone. The district administration has imposed a complete ban on the import, export and movement of live pigs, pork and pork products within, into or out of the notified zones. All pork markets and butchery shops operating within the affected areas have also been ordered to remain closed until further notice.
Authorities have directed pig farmers to strictly enforce biosecurity measures, including restricting visitors to farms, carrying out daily disinfection of premises and immediately reporting any unusual illness or sudden deaths among pigs. Further, the order stated that carcasses of infected or suspected animals must be disposed of through safe burial in accordance with prescribed veterinary protocols. Disposal of carcasses in rivers, streams or open areas has been strictly prohibited. ASF does not affect humans but is often fatal to pigs, causing severe economic losses to farmers and disrupting the pork supply chain.
DC Kohima has warned that any violation of the containment measures would invite legal action under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, and other relevant provisions of law.
