The Directorate of A.H. & Veterinary Services has informed the general public and pig farmers that positive cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) have been confirmed in Meriema, Viswema & Dzulakie Village of Kohima District, and Unity Colony at Purana Bazar & Bamunpukhuri Colony of Dimapur District through RT-PCR from NERDDL, Guwahati.

 

Through clinical symptoms, the “Acute Form” of the disease is being exhibited by the deceased pigs and so far seven (7) districts in the State have been affected.

 

Therefore, to prevent further spread of this devastating disease, all the pig rearers, as well as the general public in the positive villages/colonies (i.e. Epicentres), have been requested to maintain strict biosecurity measures in their respective farms/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.

 

Further, the Department has appealed to the general public to follow the following measures as there are no treatment protocols for this disease at present, except to cull/depopulate:-

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.

* Follow the deep burial method, at least 6 ft. deep, followed by spreading of lime/bleaching powder.

* Do not throw the carcass in the river / canal /stream / water bodies.

* Sanitize the areas/sheds/troughs completely using the recommended solution.

* Wash hands, feet, clothing, etc properly with soap.

* Seek the assistance of a Veterinarian for disinfecting the area.

* Do not re-populate the pigs, without Department’s consultation.

* Demarcate the areas into Infected Zone, Surveillance Zone & Free Zone with the help of AH & Veterinary Services Department for control & containment measures.

 

 

Mokokchung Times

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