A surveillance and inspection drive for African Swine Fever (ASF) conducted in Wokha town and adjoining villages, including Wokha Village and Vankhosung, found no positive cases during the exercise.
The inspection was carried out under the directive of the Deputy Commissioner, Wokha, by a team comprising officials from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, the district administration, police and the Wokha Town Council. The exercise was led by Chief Veterinary Officer K.N. Zubemo Humtsoe and Extra Assistant Commissioner Thepfuzakie Sanchu.
During the drive, the team inspected nine stockyards and 18 butcher shops and meat outlets. A total of 52 live pigs underwent ante mortem examination, while body temperatures and clinical signs were assessed. Twenty-four tissue and meat samples were collected for ASF surveillance, and six randomly selected live pigs were tested using ASFV Rapid Detection Kits. Officials also verified veterinary health certificates, transportation permits and the source of the animals, while sanitary conditions at slaughter points and meat outlets were inspected.
The inspection found no clinical signs of ASF, and all samples tested negative. However, officials clarified that the results do not constitute an ASF-free declaration and stressed the need for continued vigilance.
The team advised livestock owners and traders to source pigs only from ASF-free farms and certified zones, ensure proper ante mortem and post mortem inspections, maintain strict hygiene standards, and transport animals only with valid veterinary permits and health certificates.
Officials said ASF surveillance, sample collection, rapid testing and surprise inspections will continue to safeguard livestock health, farmers’ livelihoods and public confidence in meat safety.