African Swine Fever outbreaks have been confirmed in Medziphema and Tseminyu, leading to strict containment bans.
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DIMAPUR — Outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) have been confirmed in Medziphema and Tseminyu, prompting district administrations to declare infected and surveillance zones and impose immediate bans on the slaughter and movement of pigs.
Medziphema: ADC Medziphema P James Swu issued a circular outlining ASF prevention measures following confirmation from the chief veterinary officer (CVO) of Chümoukedima on May 25 that a pig tissue sample collected from a farm at Ward-9 in Medziphema town tested positive for ASF.
According to a DIPR report, to prevent further spread of the disease and to safeguard public interest and livestock health, immediate containment and preventive measures have been enforced.
A containment zone has been declared covering a one-kilometre radius from the outbreak epicentre as the "Infected Zone" and a 10-kilometre radius from the outbreak epicentre as the "Surveillance Zone".
Also read: DC Chümoukedima issues African Swine Fever containment advisory
African Swine Fever detected in Dimapur; DC declares infected and surveillance zones
There is a complete ban on the transportation of pigs, piglets, pork, and pork products from and within the containment zones and surveillance zone.
The slaughter of pigs for commercial or private purposes within the said zones, as well as the sale and distribution of pork and pork products, is also prohibited.
Pig farmers and residents are advised to immediately report any unusual sickness or death of pigs to the nearest veterinary officer or department.
Disposal of pig carcasses must be carried out strictly in accordance with the protocols and guidelines prescribed by the Veterinary department, which, in coordination with law enforcement agencies, will conduct surveillance and monitoring in the affected areas.
All village authorities, ward authorities, GBs, meat vendors, and citizens have been directed to cooperate fully with the Veterinary department and district administration in surveillance, inspection, and containment activities. Any violation of the order will invite strict action under relevant provisions of the law.
Tseminyu: The office of the CVO Tseminyu reported that tissue samples collected from Tseminyu village tested positive for ASF in laboratory tests conducted at Animal Health Care.
The area has been declared an "Infected Zone". Several reports of pig mortality around Tseminyu have also been reported to the Veterinary Hospital, Tseminyu.
DC Tseminyu Japheth Woch stated that ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs and that immediate preventive and containment measures are necessary.
The area within a one-kilometre radius from Tseminyu village has been declared an "Infected Zone", while the areas extending up to nine kilometres outside the infected zone will be treated as the "Surveillance Zone".
Woch advised the public to abstain from the purchase, sale, and consumption of pork and pork products within the infected zone and adjoining areas.
The slaughtering, sale, purchase, and transport of pigs and pork products within the affected areas are strictly prohibited. Disposal of dead pigs must be carried out only through deep burial or incineration in accordance with approved biosecurity and sanitary protocols.
The DC also instructed the office of the CVO Tseminyu to implement all necessary surveillance, quarantine, containment, sanitisation, and disease control measures as per government guidelines and standard operating procedures.
The public is advised to remain vigilant and report any unusual sickness, suspected infection, abnormal behaviour, or sudden death of pigs to the nearest veterinary centre, hospital, or the office of the CVO Tseminyu.