Fresh containment measures have been imposed in Chumoukedima, Zunheboto and Wokha as the outbreak of African Swine Flu continues to spread in Nagaland. (Morung Photo)
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Dimapur, May 25 (MExN): Authorities in Chümoukedima, Zunheboto and Wokha districts have imposed restrictions on the movement, sale, and distribution of pigs and pork products following the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the state.
An advisory issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Chümoukedima stated that a confirmed outbreak of ASF had been reported by the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer from Toulazouma village under Chümoukedima district.
“In view of the confirmed outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) reported by the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer, Chümoukedima, from Toulazouma Village under Chümoukedima District, and in the interest of disease prevention and containment, the following measures are hereby notified with immediate effect and until further orders,” the advisory stated.
According to the notification, the area within a radius of one kilometre from the outbreak epicentre at Toulazouma village has been declared an “Infected Zone,” while the area within a radius of 10 kilometres has been declared a “Surveillance Zone.”
The district administration informed that the movement and transportation of pigs, pork, pig products, feed, and related materials within and outside the notified zones have been strictly prohibited. It further stated that slaughter, sale, and distribution of pigs and pork products within the containment zones would remain prohibited until further notification.
The advisory also directed the Veterinary Department and law enforcement agencies to undertake surveillance, monitoring, and preventive measures in the affected areas. Village Councils, GBs, ward authorities, butchers, meat vendors, and citizens have been instructed to comply with the advisory and report any unusual sickness or death of pigs to the nearest Veterinary Office.
The administration further stated that proper biosecurity measures, including disinfection and restricted farm access, must be maintained by pig farm owners, while disposal of pig carcasses should be carried out strictly according to Veterinary Department protocol and Government of India guidelines.
“Any violation of this Advisory shall invite necessary action under the relevant provisions of law,” the order added.
Meanwhile, the Zunheboto Town Council (ZTC) has also issued an order suspending all pork-related trade and activities within Zunheboto Town with immediate effect.
“In view of the ongoing outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the State and in exercise of the powers vested in the Zunheboto Town Council to protect public health, animal health and maintain public order, the Council hereby issues the following Order with immediate effect,” the order stated.
Under the order, “all commercial and retail sale, supply, display, distribution, slaughter, processing, storage and vending of pork, pork products and live pigs within the limits of Zunheboto Town shall be suspended until further notice.”
The Council further prohibited the movement, transport, or import of live pigs, pork, and pork products into, out of, or through Zunheboto Town unless prior written permission is granted by the Town Council in consultation with the District Veterinary Officer.
The order stated that enforcement would be carried out by the Town Council, police, District Veterinary Office, and other authorised officers. It warned that non-compliance would invite legal action, including seizure of prohibited items, closure of premises, fines, and prosecution under relevant laws.
Both orders have come into force with immediate effect and will remain operational until further notification.
Additionally, during the press conference held on Monday, Wokha Town Council member Mhao Ngullie informed that the import of new pig consignments into the district has been temporarily suspended until further notice following reports of suspected swine flu cases in pigs.
He said samples have been sent for testing, while existing stocks would be inspected by the Department of Animal Husbandry to ensure they are safe for consumption.
