Dimapur: African swine fever in three villages of Kiruphema Bawe, Chiechama and Nerhema under Nagaland’s Kohima district has been confirmed following positive laboratory test reports received from the office of the Chief Veterinary Officer, Kohima.
In view of the outbreak, Kohima DC B Henok Buchem on Thursday declared a 1-km radius from the infected premises as an infected zone, while a 10-km radius has been declared as a surveillance zone.
The order prohibits the export, import and movement of live pigs and pork products within, into or out of the designated zones with immediate effect. Pork meat markets and butchery shops located within the zones have also been directed to close.
Pig farmers have been advised to strictly restrict visitors, disinfect farm premises daily and immediately report any unusual illness or mortality among pigs to the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department.
Suspicious deaths are also to be reported promptly to the department, the order said.
The order further directed that carcasses be safely buried in accordance with official protocols, while dumping of carcasses in water bodies or open areas has been strictly prohibited.
The DC urged the public to remain vigilant and refrain from purchasing or consuming meat from unknown sources.
He warned that any person violating the directives will face legal prosecution under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, and other relevant provisions of law.