Dimapur, July 1 (MExN): Positive cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) have been confirmed in Meriema, Viswema and Dzulakie village of Kohima district, and Unity Colony at Purana Bazar and Bamunpukhuri Colony of Dimapur district, the Nagaland Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences informed on Friday.
The Directorate issued a press release through the state DIPR informing the general public and pig farmers that the ASF cases were confirmed through RT-PCR from North Eastern Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (NERDDL), Guwahati. “Through clinical symptoms, the ‘Acute Form’ of the disease is being exhibited by the deceased pigs and so far seven districts in the State have been affected, it said.
In this connection, the Directorate issued an advisory to prevent further spread of the disease, and requested all the pig rearers, as well as the general public in the positive villages, colonies (i.e. Epicentres), to maintain strict bio-security measures in their respective farms or pig sty and also refrain from consuming pork of unknown origin as it might become the source of infection.
“Any dead pigs should be disposed of through deep burial protocols followed by proper sanitization of the area with the help of a Veterinarian. For this, the respective Chief Veterinary Office/nearest Veterinary Centre may be contacted,” it said.
Emphasising that there are no treatment protocols for this disease at present, except to cull or depopulate, the Directorate has asked the general public to inform sudden death of pigs to the nearest Veterinary Institute.
“Do not consume the dead pigs. List out the number of pigs that died along with photos, and approximate body weight, and after duly certified by the Village/Colony Authority the same must be submitted to the Chief Veterinary Officer for authentication,” it stated.
For disposal of dead pigs, it advised “the deep burial method, at least 6 ft deep, followed by spreading of lime/bleaching powder,” and cautioned against disposal of carcasses in the river, canal, stream, or other water bodies.
In terms of sanitisation and hygiene, it advised demarcation of the areas into Infected Zone, Surveillance Zone and Free Zone with the help of AH & Veterinary Services Department for control and containment measures.
“Seek the assistance of a Veterinarian for disinfecting the area. Sanitize the areas, sheds, troughs completely using the recommended solution. Wash hands, feet, clothing, etc., properly with soap,” it added.
In addition to this, it cautioned against re-populating the pigs without Department’s consultation.
