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Dimapur, July 2 (EMN): The Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has informed the general public and pig farmers that positive cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) have been confirmed in Meriema, Viswema and Dzulakie villages under Kohima District, and Unity Colony at Purana Bazaar and Bamunpukhuri Colony under Dimapur district through RT-PCR from NERDDL, Guwahati.
According to DIPR report, through clinical symptoms, the “Acute Form” of the disease is being exhibited by the deceased pigs and so far seven districts in the State have been affected.
To prevent further spread of the disease, the department has advised all the pig rearers as well as the general public in the positive villages/colonies (epicentres) to maintain strict bio-security measures in their respective farms/pig sty and also refrain from consuming pork of unknown origin as this might become the source of infection. Dead pigs should be disposed of through deep burial protocols followed by proper sanitization of the area with the help of a veterinarian. For this, the respective Chief Veterinary Office / nearest Veterinary Centre may be contacted.
Further, the Department has appealed to the general public to follow the following measures as there are no treatment protocols for this disease at present, except to cull/ depopulate:-
To inform sudden death of pigs to the nearest Veterinary Institute, not to consume dead pigs; to list out the number of dead pigs along with photos, approximate body weight and after duly certified by the village/ colony authority the same to be submitted to the Chief Veterinary Officer for authentication; follow the deep burial method, at least 6 ft. deep, followed by spreading of lime/bleaching powder; not to throw the carcass in the river, canal, stream or other water bodies; to sanitize the areas/sheds/troughs completely using the recommended solution; wash hands, feet, clothing, etc properly with soap; to seek the assistance of a veterinarian for disinfecting the area; not to re-populate pigs without Department’s consultation.
Further, it called for demarcation of areas into infected zone, surveillance zone and free zone with the help of department for control and containment measures.