ASF outbreak confirmed at Thizama village

Kohima, June 8 (MExN): The Deputy Commissioner Kohima, B Henok Buchem, NCS has issued an order informing that a positive laboratory test report received from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has confirmed an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) at Thizama village under Kohima district.

In view of the outbreak, and considering that ASF is a highly contagious viral disease posing a serious threat to livestock, the district administration has notified control measures and containment zones with immediate effect.

Accordingly, an Infected Zone has been declared within a radius of 1 km from the infected premises at Thizama Village, while a Surveillance Zone has been declared within a radius of 10 km from the infected premises.

The order stated that there will be a total ban on the export, import and movement of live pigs and pork products within, into or out of the Infected and Surveillance Zones. All pork meat markets and butchery shops located within the designated zones shall remain closed until further orders.

Pig farmers have been directed to strictly restrict visitors, disinfect farm premises on a daily basis and immediately report any unusual illness or mortality among pigs to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services. Any suspicious pig deaths should also be reported to the department without delay.

The order further directed that carcasses of infected or suspected animals must be disposed of through safe burial in accordance with official protocols. Dumping of carcasses in water bodies or open areas has been strictly prohibited.

The DC warned that any person violating the directives will be liable for legal action under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, and other relevant provisions of law.