Kohima, January 6 (MExN): The Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS), Nagaland, has issued an advisory to all District Veterinary Officers (DVOs), directing them to regulate and discourage the practice of feeding untreated or unregulated food waste, commonly known as swill, to pigs in both backyard and commercial farms across the State.
The advisory, dated December 15, 2025, was issued following a representation dated November 24, 2025, from Mercy For Animals India, highlighting concerns over pig-feeding practices observed in different parts of the country, a press release from the organisation informed.
In the advisory, the AH&VS noted that untreated and unregulated food waste sourced from hotels, restaurants, and bulk food providers, when fed to pigs, poses risks not only to animal health and welfare but also to food safety and the viability of commercial pig farms.
Accordingly, it directed all DVOs to take action in their respective districts to raise awareness among pig farmers about the possibility of disease spread, such as African Swine Fever (ASF) and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), due to such practices.
Meanwhile, as per Mercy For Animals India’s release, its representation to the department included three suggestions.
These included prohibiting the feeding of untreated or unregulated food waste from hotels, canteens, and similar sources to pigs.
It also called for mandating that pig farms follow only those feeding practices and diets recommended by veterinary departments, ICAR institutes, and recognised livestock research authorities.
The organisation further suggested issuing instructions to veterinary officers and livestock inspectors to monitor pig farms for compliance and to raise awareness among farmers about safe and humane feeding practices.
Mercy For Animals India described itself as a nonprofit organisation dedicated to reducing the suffering and cruelty endured by animals raised for food and promoting a transition to plant-based eating.
