African Swine Fever has been detected in Peren, Longleng and Mokokchung districts, with restrictions imposed to contain the outbreak and prevent spread.
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DIMAPUR — After two government veterinary doctors in Dimapur raised concerns over reports of swine fever-like symptoms in pigs on April 27, Dr. Ilang Zeliang, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, confirmed on Friday that cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) have been detected in three districts—Peren, Longleng, and Mokokchung.
He said that the department is yet to ascertain the number of affected and dead animals.
While it is safe to consume pork, he stressed that movement of animals in infected zones is not allowed.
The Peren district administration has also issued an order stating that, in view of the reported outbreak of ASF in Gaili village, the slaughter of pigs, import of pork, and transportation of pigs from Gaili, Punglwa, Ngwalwa, and Jalukie Valley are strictly prohibited with immediate effect.
Any violation of the order will invite strict action under relevant legal provisions, it warned.
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Earlier, the two veterinary doctors had stated that it could not be confirmed whether the cases were Classical Swine Fever or African Swine Fever until proper tests were conducted.
However, with confirmed reports from Peren, Longleng, and Mokokchung districts, the outbreak of ASF has now been established.
Although there are no reports from Dimapur so far, veterinary doctors have advised caution, urging pig rearers to immediately isolate animals showing symptoms and avoid indiscriminate procurement of pigs.
They also advised informing the department for sanitisation and keeping pigsties vacant for at least two to three months before restocking.