African Swine Fever outbreak confirmed at Thizama Village

DIMAPUR — Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B Henok Buchem, has issued an order declaring containment measures following the confirmation of an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) at Thizama Village under Kohima district.

According to a DIPR report, a positive laboratory test report received from the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services confirmed the presence of ASF in the village.

Considering that ASF is a highly contagious viral disease that poses a serious threat to livestock, the district administration has notified control measures and declared containment zones with immediate effect.

An infected zone has been declared within a 1-km radius of the affected premises at Thizama Village, while a surveillance zone has been established within a 10-km radius.

The order imposes a total ban on the export, import and movement of live pigs and pork products within, into or out of both the infected and surveillance zones.

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All pork markets and butchery shops operating within the designated zones have also been directed to remain closed until further orders.

Pig farmers have been instructed to strictly regulate visitor access to farms, carry out daily disinfection of farm premises and immediately report any unusual illness or mortality among pigs to the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services. Any suspicious pig deaths must also be reported without delay.

The order further stated that carcasses of infected or suspected animals must be disposed of through safe burial in accordance with prescribed protocols. Disposal of carcasses in water bodies or open areas has been strictly prohibited.