Nagaland issues protocol to contain spread of African swine fever

Dimapur, May 25 (EMN): Concerned over “acute form” of African swine fever (ASF) prevailing in Nagaland, the Directorate of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Service (AH&VS) has issued protocol for containment of the disease.

The department has updated that the general public and piggery farmers that the occurrence of ASF continues unabated in the state with positive cases being reported from Tuli Block in Mokokchung district and Tizit Block in Mon district through RT-PCR from NERDDL, Guwahati. It had earlier informed that such cases had been detected in Longleng, Mokokchung and Phek districts.

“The current trend of occurrence indicates that the disease is penetrating and spreading to various parts of the state, which suggest that the advisory issued is not fully complied with by all stakeholders,” read the update.

To contain the spread of the disease, the department has appealed to the public, especially farmers whose pigs have been affected, to follow these protocols:

• Inform sudden death of pigs to the nearest veterinary institute.
• Do not consume meat of dead pigs.
•  List out the number of dead pigs along with photos and approximate body weight; get it certified by the village or colony authority and then submit it to the chief veterinary officer for authentication.
• Follow the deep burial method, at least 6 ft. deep, followed by spreading of lime.
• not throw the carcass in the river, canal, stream and other water bodies.
• Sanitise the areas, sheds and troughs completely using the recommended solution.
• Wash hands, feet, clothing, etc. properly with soap.
• Seek the assistance of a veterinarian for disinfecting the area.
• Do not re-populate the pigs without the department’s consultation.
• Demarcate the areas into infected zone, surveillance zone and free zone with the help of the department for control and containment measures.

The department further informed that citizens can contact Dr. Khriekuolie Linyü, Joint Director of ASF Core Committee Convenor, on the phone number: 6009753226 for any queries related to the disease.

Also read: ASF spreading in Nagaland because of importing pigs, says expert