The government of Assam in India has banned the inter-district movement of live pigs, citing a sharp rise in cases of African swine fever (ASF) across the state.
The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department also ordered the suspension of pork sales in the seven districts where ASF outbreaks are most severe. These include Dhemaji, Kamrup, Lakhimpur, Sivasagar, Darrang, Jorhat, and Dibrugarh.
Industry faces severe losses
The department stated that ASF has devastated Assam’s piggery sector. The disease, which has a 100% mortality rate, has been spreading rapidly since January 2025.
Since the disease was first reported in the state in 2020, officials have identified a total of 356 epicenters across the state.
So far in 2025, ASF has spread to 30 of the state’s 35 districts, with 297 epicenters identified. The highest concentrations are in the seven districts listed above. In October alone, 84 new epicenters were reported, underscoring the urgency of containment efforts.
Emergency measures in place
Veterinary experts say the sale of infected pigs remains the primary driver of transmission.
To curb further spread, the department invoked the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act (2009). The movement ban will remain in force until further notice.
Authorities emphasized that the restrictions are temporary but necessary to protect the state’s livestock industry