The Meghalaya government has intensified efforts to contain the spread of African Swine Fever and imposed restrictions on the transportation and trade of pigs and pork products in affected districts following fresh outbreaks of the disease.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the situation was being closely monitored and immediate steps had been taken to prevent further spread.
“This has been a problem in the past also. We are monitoring the situation and taking immediate action. The department is taking measures to ensure that ASF doesn't spread on a large scale,” Sangma told reporters.
According to officials, confirmed cases have been detected in several areas, including Pynursla and Mawlai blocks in East Khasi Hills district, Mawthadraishan block in West Khasi Hills, Umsning and Bhoirymbong blocks in Ri-Bhoi district, Mairang block in Eastern West Khasi Hills, and the Regional Pig Breeding Farm at Kyrdemkulai.
The affected villages include Urksew Wahpathaw, Mawkajem, Mawlai Mawkynroh, Nongkasen, Kyrdemkulai, Lum Umpih, Mawkyrdep and Mawphanniew.
Invoking provisions of the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department has declared areas within a 1-km radius of infected premises as infected zones, while areas up to 10 km away have been designated surveillance zones.
Also read: Mizoram to declare African swine flu outbreak a 'disaster'
A complete ban has been imposed on the movement of live pigs, pig feed, pork and pork products into or out of the affected areas. Pig markets, slaughterhouses and abattoirs in these zones have also been ordered shut until further notice.
Authorities have prohibited swill feeding using kitchen or restaurant waste and barred the movement of infected or dead pigs and contaminated materials from designated zones.
Officials warned that disposing of pig carcasses in rivers, lakes or other water bodies would attract penalties ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000, while repeat offenders could face imprisonment of up to three months.
Veterinary teams have intensified surveillance and sample collection, while the Forest Department has been asked to monitor wild boar populations to prevent transmission between domestic and wild pigs.
The government has appealed to local bodies and community leaders to cooperate with veterinary officials and rapid response teams involved in containment efforts.
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