The ASF surveillance team, led by CVO Wokha KN Zubemo Humtsoe and EAC Wokha Thepfuzakie Sanchu, conducts an inspection in Wokha on July 15. (DIPR Photo)
Wokha, JULY 15 (MExN): No positive cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) were detected during a surveillance and inspection drive conducted in Wokha town and adjoining villages, including Wokha Village and Vankhosung, on July 15.
According to a DIPR report. drive was carried out under the directive of the Deputy Commissioner, Wokha, by a joint team comprising officials from the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, the district administration, police and the Wokha Town Council.
The operation was led by Chief Veterinary Officer, Wokha, K N Zubemo Humtsoe, and EAC Wokha, Thepfuzakie Sanchu.
During the exercise, the team inspected nine stockyards and 18 butcher shops and meat outlets. A total of 52 live pigs underwent ante-mortem examination, with body temperatures and clinical signs monitored. Twenty-four tissue and meat samples were collected for ASF surveillance, while six randomly selected live pigs were screened using ASFV rapid detection kits.
The inspection also assessed sanitary and hygienic practices at slaughter points and meat outlets. Veterinary health certificates, animal sources and transportation documents were verified to ensure compliance with prescribed guidelines.
According to the report, no clinical signs suggestive of ASF were observed, and all samples tested negative during the inspection. However, the authorities clarified that the findings do not constitute a declaration of ASF-free status and stressed that surveillance and vigilance will continue.
The inspection team advised that pigs should be sourced only from ASF-free farms and zones with valid veterinary certification. It also emphasised strict ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection, proper hygiene and sanitation at stockyards and butcher shops, and mandatory health certificates and transport permits for the movement of pigs.
Officials stated that ASF surveillance, sample collection and rapid testing will continue on a regular basis, while surprise inspections will also be conducted to facilitate early detection and safeguard livestock health, farmers' livelihoods and public confidence in meat safet
