Kohima district has imposed movement restrictions and closed pork markets after confirming an African Swine Fever outbreak in Kohima village and Mezoma.
DIMAPUR — Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, B Henok Buchem, has issued a notification following the confirmation of an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) at Rütsie, P Khel, Kohima village, and Mezoma village under Kohima district.
According to the notification, laboratory test reports received from the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer, Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, confirmed the presence of the disease.
Following the confirmation, the district administration has declared a 1-km radius from the infected premises as infected zone and a 10-km radius as surveillance zone.
To contain the spread of the disease, the notification imposed immediate ban on the export, import and movement of live pigs and pork products within, into or out of the infected and surveillance zones.
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All pork markets and butchery shops operating within the designated zones have also been ordered to remain closed until further notice.
Pig farmers have been advised to restrict visitors to their farms, disinfect farm premises regularly, and immediately report any unusual illness or death of pigs to the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services.
The notification further directs that pig carcasses be disposed of through safe burial in accordance with official protocols, while dumping carcasses in water bodies or open areas is strictly prohibited.
The public has also been urged to remain vigilant and refrain from purchasing or consuming pork from unknown or unverified sources.
The deputy commissioner warned that any person found violating the notified directives will be liable for prosecution under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, and other applicable provisions of law.