Pig transport stopped in infected zones as African Swine Fever cases were reported from multiple districts.
Shillong, June 2: The Meghalaya government has imposed sweeping restrictions on pig movement, pork sales and transport of livestock-related materials after fresh outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) were confirmed in several villages across East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi and Eastern West Khasi Hills districts.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary said infected zones and surveillance zones have been declared under provisions of the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, following confirmation of ASF cases in multiple locations, including pig breeding farms in Ri-Bhoi and West Khasi Hills districts.
Among the affected areas are villages under Pynursla, Mawlai, Mawthadraishan, Umsning, Bhoirymbong and Mairang blocks. Authorities confirmed outbreaks in Mawlai Mawkynroh, Mawlai Umrynjah, Kyrdemkulai, Nongkasen, Wahliewlong and several villages in Ri-Bhoi district.
Under the containment plan, all villages within a one-kilometre radius of infected premises have been declared “Infected Zones”, while areas within a 10-km radius have been designated as “Surveillance Zones”.
The government has banned the movement of live pigs, pig feed, pork and pork products into or out of infected zones. Pig markets and abattoirs in these areas have also been ordered shut until further notice.
Officials said pig farm owners must enforce strict biosecurity measures, including restricting visitors, disinfecting vehicles and preventing movement of handlers between pig sheds. Disposal of infected carcasses in rivers and streams has been strictly prohibited.
The notification warned that violators dumping carcasses in water bodies could face fines, imprisonment or both under the Act.
In surveillance zones, transport of pigs into infected areas has been prohibited, while movement of pork products from surveillance zones to disease-free areas has also been restricted. Veterinary teams will continue surveillance and sample collection to track the spread of the disease.
The department has also asked forest authorities to monitor wild boar populations in areas surrounding infected zones amid concerns over further spread of the disease.
The department has appealed to farmers, traders, transporters and local bodies to cooperate with containment measures and immediately report unusual pig deaths or illness to veterinary authorities.
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