Doomdooma: Assam’s Tinsukia district administration has imposed a series of restrictions in Sadiya subdivision after Khutipathar village under Saikhowa was declared an epicentre of African swine fever (ASF), ordering a 30-day ban on pork sales and the movement of pigs and pork products.
In an order, District Commissioner Sumit Sattawan invoked provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to contain the outbreak.
The administration has designated a one-kilometre radius around Khutipathar as an infected zone and an area within a 10-kilometre radius as a surveillance zone.
Under the prescribed national action plan, a culling operation was scheduled for October 14, 15 and 16 in the infected zone under the supervision of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department officials.
Records of the operation and subsequent sanitation measures are to be maintained.
All shops dealing in pork-related products across Sadiya subdivision have been ordered to remain closed for 30 days or until further orders.
The movement of pigs and pork-related items to and from other districts and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh has also been prohibited.
The sale of pork at outlets and markets within the subdivision is barred during the restriction period.
The order warns that violations will attract legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.