Authorities in Nagaland, India have declared containment and surveillance zones across at least four more locations, Medziphema, Tseminyu, Wokha and Phek, following confirmed outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF).
The outbreak has triggered immediate bans on the transportation, slaughter, sale and distribution of pigs, piglets, pork and pork products across the affected areas, with district administrations warning of strict legal action against violators.
Medziphema confirms positive test
In Chümoukedima district, the chief veterinary officer confirmed that pig tissue samples collected from a farm in Ward-9 of Medziphema town have tested positive for ASF, prompting the local government to issue a containment circular with immediate effect.
Authorities have declared a 1-km radius from the outbreak epicenter as the ‘infected zone’ and a 10-km radius as the ‘surveillance zone’. A complete ban has been imposed on the transportation of pigs, piglets, pork and pork products from and within both zones, along with a prohibition on commercial and private slaughter of pigs, and sale and distribution of pork products in the affected areas.
Pig farmers and residents have been directed to immediately report any unusual sickness or death of pigs to the nearest veterinary officer. Disposal of pig carcasses must be carried out strictly in accordance with protocols prescribed by the veterinary department, the order stated.
Tseminyu village declared infected zone
In a separate development, the office of the chief veterinary officer, Tseminyu, confirmed that tissue samples collected from Tseminyu village have tested positive for ASF in laboratory tests conducted at Animal Health Care. Multiple reports of pig mortality in and around Tseminyu have been received by the veterinary hospital.
DC Tseminyu Japheth Woch declared a 1-km radius around Tseminyu Village as the ‘infected zone’ with an adjoining 9-km belt designated as the ‘surveillance zone’.
The DC directed the public to refrain from the purchase, sale and consumption of pork and pork products within the infected zone and contiguous areas. Slaughter, sale, purchase and transport of pigs and pork products in the affected areas stand strictly prohibited. Dead pigs must be disposed of only through deep burial or incineration in accordance with approved bio-security and sanitary protocols, Mr Woch said.
The office of the chief veterinary officer, Tseminyu, has been instructed to implement all necessary surveillance, quarantine, sanitization and disease control measures as per government guidelines and standard operating procedures.
Wokha town imposes blanket pork ban
In Wokha district, the Wokha Town Council (WTC), in coordination with the animal husbandry and veterinary services, has imposed a temporary ban on the sale of pork across its entire jurisdiction, with immediate effect. The import, export and transportation of live pigs have also been prohibited until further notice.
ADC and Executive Officer Enbomo Ezung warned that non-compliance would result in cancellation of trade permits in addition to action under relevant provisions of law.
The WTC appealed to all pig farmers, traders, transporters, colony unions and citizens to extend full cooperation to the authorities during the ongoing crisis.
ASF confirmed in Khuza village
The Phek district administration has declared a 1-km radius around Khuza village as an infected zone following a positive outbreak report of ASF received from the office of the chief veterinary officer, Phek.
A surveillance zone covering a 10-km radius from the infected area has also been notified, which includes Khutsokhuno, Mutsale, Phek Town, Phugwi, and Sohomi villages.
With immediate effect and until further orders, the district has imposed a complete ban on the slaughter of pigs, the import and export of pigs and piglets, and the transport of pigs and pork within the aforementioned locations.
Phek Deputy Commissioner Rhosietho Nguori has advised the public to remain cautious and to immediately report any suspicious behavior or suspected pig deaths due to ASF to the office of the chief veterinary officer, Phek.