An African Swine Fever outbreak in Mokokchung district has prompted containment measures and a ban on pork.
Share
MOKOKCHUNG — The Chief Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Office, Mokokchung, has confirmed an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in several parts of Mokokchung district, including Tuli, Chungtia, and Kangtsungyimsen.
The development has prompted urgent containment measures and a strong advisory against pork consumption in the affected areas.
According to reports from the Community Educational Centre Society, Tuli, approximately 652 pigs have died due to the disease in the Tuli area since April 15. The Chief Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Office, Mokokchung, has also verified outbreaks across parts of the district.
Veterinary Assistant Surgeon Dr. Imtilong Longkumer stated that ASF is spreading rapidly, with numerous reported and unreported cases emerging in the district.
The Community Educational Centre Society, Tuli, noted that mortalities have occurred in both small individual piggeries and large-scale commercial farms. One piggery alone has recorded 196 deaths to date.
Also read: African Swine Fever detected in Dimapur; DC declares infected and surveillance zones
African Swine Fever is considered one of the most devastating viral diseases affecting pig populations in Nagaland, with mortality rates that can reach up to 100 per cent. The outbreak has inflicted severe losses on farmers, running into several crores of INR, and poses a serious threat to the local economy.
Notably, the Livestock Insurance Scheme under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) does not cover losses from ASF, as it is classified as a highly contagious and notified disease. This position was earlier clarified by Dr. Kuokehebi Gwirie, Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, during the launch of the NLM programme in Khar village.
In response to the outbreak, Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma issued an official advisory on May 19. The advisory, based on reports from the Chief Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer, identifies Chungtia village, Kangtsungyimsen village, and Shitikolak ward under Tuli subdivision as affected areas.
The district administration has strongly urged residents in the affected zones and adjoining regions to refrain from buying and consuming pork. The Veterinary department, in coordination with administrative officials, will enforce strict monitoring of the infected areas.
Additionally, the import of pigs from outside the state will be closely regulated. All imported consignments entering the district must undergo mandatory testing by the Veterinary department.
Transit time for pigs in designated stockyards within the Tuli subdivision has been restricted to a maximum of 24 hours, with fresh testing required before onwards transportation to other subdivisions or districts.
The administration has also directed concerned departments to intensify surveillance at border areas and conduct extensive testing to curb further spread of the disease.
The public has been appealed to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspected pig deaths or unusual symptoms to the Office of the Chief Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer, Mokokchung. Reports can be made to Dr. Imtilong Longkumer at 9500807407.
Officials informed that stringent checks have been implemented at the Tsutapela and Watiyongpang Interstate police check gates, where imported pig consignments are tested for ASF using testing kits.
Clearance certificates are issued only after verification, and consignments must reach their destinations intact as recorded during inspection.
Pigs imported through Mokokchung are also supplied to neighbouring districts, including Longleng, Shamator, Noklak, Tuensang, and Zunheboto.