Nagaland: African Swine Fever alert issued in Dmu

Due to reports of African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks in pigs across several districts of Assam and along the contiguous border with Dimapur, the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), Dimapur, Dr. Sentinungla Ao, has issued a Public Advisory urging pig farmers, traders, and stakeholders to adopt strict precautionary measures.
The advisory called for certification of health status by veterinary officials at the place of origin before purchasing live pigs for breeding, farming, or table purposes, as well as pork for consumption to prevent the import and spread of ASF into Dimapur.
A press release by the CVO, Dimapur, Dr. Sentinungla Ao, stated that ASF is described as a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, with a mortality rate of 100 percent once infected, adding that the disease causes devastating economic losses to farmers, and currently, there is no vaccine or treatment available. She clarified that ASF is not zoonotic and does not pose a risk to humans.
On the mode of transmission, she said the virus spreads through direct contact with infected pigs, pork, or contaminated feed, water, clothing, tools, vehicles, and equipment, adding that human movement and illegal transportation of pigs and pork also contribute to its spread.
Pig farmers have also been advised to watch for symptoms such as high fever, loss of appetite, weakness, sudden death, red or blue blotches on the skin, diarrhoea, vomiting (often with blood), coughing, and difficulty in breathing.
The advisory further emphasized the need for mandatory biosecurity measures, urging farmers to quarantine new pigs before introducing them into farms, avoid contact with other farms or animals, and regularly disinfect pig pens, equipment, and clothing.
It also called for restricting the entry of outsiders and vehicles into farm premises, while directing farmers to immediately report any sudden deaths or signs of illness in pigs to the nearest Veterinary Centre. In addition, the notice warned against slaughtering, consuming, or selling sick or dead pigs, stressing that carcasses must be disposed of safely as per veterinary advice.
Chief Veterinary Officer Dimapur has urged farmers to remain alert and strictly follow all advisories issued by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services.
“Cooperation of every farmer is crucial to contain the spread of ASF in the state,” the advisory emphasized.