The Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma, has issued an order prohibiting the transportation, import, sale, and entry of live pigs, pork meat, and pig-derived products originating from Assam into Mokokchung district with immediate effect.
This follows information received from the Office of the Chief Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Officer, Mokokchung, regarding a surge in African Swine Fever (ASF) cases in several districts of Assam, along with recent suspected pig deaths due to ASF in the Tuli Sub-DivisionAMP.
After a coordination meeting on November 26 with the concerned department and stakeholders, it was decided that immediate precautionary measures are necessary to prevent the spread of ASF to Mokokchung and nearby areas.
In his order, the Deputy Commissioner said there are “sufficient grounds to impose restrictions on the transportation of pigs and pig-derived products originating from those affected areas under Assam.”
“After careful examination of the situation, the undersigned is satisfied that immediate precautionary measures are necessary to prevent the further spread of the said infection into Mokokchung district and adjoining areas,” he added.
The order invokes powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 and will remain in force until further notice.
Violators of the order will face prosecution under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 and other applicable laws.