Phek, Kiphire, Mon
Unusual pig deaths reported in Mon, Kiphire and Phek
Our Reporter
Dimapur, April 6 (EMN): The Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has informed that unusual death of pigs has been reported in Mon, Kiphire and Phek districts recently.
Dr. Budhi Lama, Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, issued a press release on Monday, requesting the general public and piggery farmers to remain vigil and observe the following advisories:
- To report death of pigs to the nearest veterinary health centre for necessary sero-monitoring.
- Not to consume dead or diseased pigs, but carry out deep burial method and subsequent sanitisation.
- Refrain from importing live pigs for meat and piglets for breeding purpose from outside without knowing the health status.
- Maintain strict bio-security measures in the farms.
- Practise usage of footbath at the entrance of the farm.
- Vaccinate your pigs against classical swine fever.
- Avoid feeding with feeds especially from hotel and other wastes which may be contaminated.
Pig deaths reported in Dimapur too
Dr. Michael Imti Imchen, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, told Eastern Mirror that few cases of illness in pigs have been reported and a few have dies ‘but not at an alarming rate’.
He said there have been deaths too but they are yet to assess, so until there report is out, they cannot say anything.
We have been treating some pigs for the last few weeks but it is not at an alarming rate since people have not reported, he added.
Further, he suggested piggery farmers to stop importing piglets and pigs from Assam, saying that they noticed pigs imported from across the borders getting sick.
Don’t consume meat of sick animals
He advised the people to purchase meat that is being inspected by the meat inspectors.
Pointing out that Nagas have the habit of killing pigs and consume its meat when they start falling ill and showing symptoms, he urged the people to stop consuming meat of sick animals and that “it should be governed by our conscious”.
Imchen advised the farmers to maintain biosecurity in the farms, prevent entry of unauthorised persons, vaccinate and deworm animals regularly, and not to slaughter pigs or sell them for meat when they show symptoms of sickness.
We went on to ask the farmers to report to the authorities early if animals appear to be having sickness, adding that people usually inform only when they find hard to manage, and when it’s too late.