ASF spreads across Zunheboto

Veterinary Dept urges strict biosecurity measures

Morung Express News
Zunheboto | July 27

The Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), Zunheboto, Dr Marlan Sumi, has confirmed that African Swine Fever (ASF), first detected in the district in early July, has now spread to different parts of the district, posing a serious threat to the pig farming sector.

Informing this Dr Sumi said, “The Disease has affected several areas across the district, resulting in pig mortalities and causing significant economic losses to farmers who depend on pig rearing as a major source of livelihood.”

The CVO cautioned the public not to consume pork from pigs infected with ASF, stressing that although the virus does not currently infect humans, meat from infected animals should not enter the food chain. While there is no evidence of transmission to humans at present, the long-term risks associated with viral mutations cannot be completely ruled out, making it essential to exercise caution, she added.

Dr Sumi explained that ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, with no effective treatment or commercially available vaccine.  

She further appealed to farmers to strengthen farm biosecurity by restricting the movement of people and animals into pig farms, disinfecting equipment and vehicles, maintaining proper sanitation, avoiding the feeding of untreated food waste or swill to pigs.

Livestock insurance scheme rolled out 
Meanwhile, the District Veterinary Hospital (DVH), Zunheboto has rolled out livestock insurance schemes to safeguard farmers against financial losses caused by the death of insured animals.

Dr Sumi informed that a special livestock insurance programme sponsored by Advisor for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Kazheto Kinimi, aims to cover up to 1,000 livestock of all eligible categories in the district.

Under the Scheme, eligible cattle will receive free insurance coverage, with compensation of up to Rs. 60,000 in the event of the animal's death, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.

Dr Sumi clarified that although an insurance scheme for pigs has been introduced, its implementation has been kept on hold for the time being due to the prevailing African Swine Fever (ASF) situation. Once the situation improves and the scheme resumes, pig owners will be able to insure pigs aged 4 to 36 months for Rs 25,000 by paying an owner's contribution of Rs 187.50 per animal.

The insurance programme also covers sheep and goats, poultry layers, heifers, milch cattle, mithun and buffaloes, with different insured amounts and owner contribution rates based on the category of livestock.

According to the insurance premium chart, sheep and goats can be insured for Rs. 6,000 with an owner's contribution of Rs 45, while poultry layers (minimum 1,000 birds) are insured for Rs. 400 with a contribution of Rs 3 per bird.

Heifers are insured for Rs 40,000 with an owner's contribution of Rs 300, whereas milch cattle, mithun and buffaloes are insured for Rs 60,000 each with a contribution of Rs 450.

The premium has been fixed at 5 percent of the sum insured, with livestock owners paying only 15 percent of the premium, while the remaining 85 percent is subsidised under the scheme.

Dr Sumi urged livestock owners across the district to enroll their eligible animals, stating that the insurance schemes would reduce the financial burden caused by unexpected livestock losses, provide financial security to farming families and encourage better livestock management practices.