The Directorate of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services has intensified surveillance and containment measures following the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in various parts of Nagaland, warning that the disease poses a serious threat to the State’s pig farming sector and the livelihoods dependent on it.
In an advisory issued to the public, the department said it has been closely monitoring the spread of the disease through District Veterinary Officers and field staff, who are currently undertaking surveillance, containment, sample collection, awareness campaigns and biosecurity measures across affected areas.
While clarifying that ASF does not infect humans and is not a public health concern, the department cautioned that the disease is highly contagious among pigs and can cause severe economic losses to farmers and traders.
The department appealed to pig farmers, traders, transporters, village councils, colony authorities and the general public to cooperate with veterinary officials during the outbreak.
As part of the containment measures, the department urged the public to immediately report sudden sickness or death of pigs to the nearest veterinary office or institution. It also advised against the unauthorized movement, sale or transportation of pigs and pork products from affected areas.
The advisory further called on farmers to maintain strict hygiene and biosecurity practices and warned against disposing of dead pigs in rivers, streams, forests or public places.
The department also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information regarding ASF in order to avoid panic and misinformation.
The directorate acknowledged the support of the district administration as well as the efforts of Chief Veterinary Officers, Veterinary doctors, Veterinary Field Assistants and Mobile Veterinary Units working on the ground to contain the outbreak.
The department stated that it remains committed to protecting the livestock sector and safeguarding the livelihoods of pig farmers in Nagaland through coordinated scientific and administrative interventions.