The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department in Nagaland, India has intensified efforts to control the spread of African swine fever (ASF) affecting various parts of Nagaland.
The department recently told local media that it is closely monitoring the current outbreak of the disease through all district veterinary officers and field staff, and is actively undertaking surveillance, containment, awareness, sample collection, and biosecurity measures.
The department said that although ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs, it does not infect humans and is not a public health concern. However, the disease causes severe economic losses to pig farmers and requires immediate reporting and strict preventive measures.
The department appealed to all pig farmers, traders, transporters, village councils, colony authorities, and the public to extend full cooperation during this challenging period.
The department also urged the public to immediately report any sudden sickness or death of pigs to the nearest veterinary institution or office and to avoid unauthorized movement, sale, or transportation of pigs and pork products from affected areas.
Urging people to maintain strict farm hygiene and biosecurity practices, the department asked them not to dispose of dead pigs in rivers, streams, forests, or open public areas. Further, it urged the public not to panic and to refrain from spreading unverified information regarding ASF.