The Nagaland government has stepped up surveillance and containment measures following fresh outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) in different parts of the state, leading to restrictions on the sale, transport and movement of pigs and pork products in several districts.Officials from the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services said district veterinary officers and field staff have been deployed across affected areas to carry out surveillance, sample collection, awareness campaigns and bio-security measures to prevent the spread of the disease.Authorities said the restrictions were necessary to control the outbreak and reduce losses faced by pig farmers, traders and others linked to the livestock sector. In Mon district, the administration has temporarily banned the sale of pork and prohibited the import, export and transportation of live pigs until further orders. Officials said the decision was taken as a precautionary step after reports of ASF-related concerns in the district.
In Dimapur district, infected and surveillance zones were identified after ASF-positive cases were detected in pigs at Signal Angami village. Restrictions were imposed on the movement, slaughter and transportation of pigs and pork products in the affected areas to prevent the disease from spreading further.The Medziphema subdivision in Chumoukedima district has also introduced strict regulations on the slaughter and sale of pigs and pork. Authorities have made prior permission mandatory for commercial slaughter and sale activities.Meanwhile, officials in Mokokchung district advised people to avoid purchasing and consuming pork in areas under the Tuli subdivision where ASF outbreaks were reported in Chungtia and Kangtsungyimsen villages and Shitikolak ward of Tuli town.Similar restrictions linked to pig import and transportation have also been enforced in parts of Peren and Niuland districts following concerns over the spread of the disease.The impact of the restrictions was visible in several towns, including Kohima, where many pork shops remained closed on Friday.
The Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services clarified that ASF is a highly contagious viral disease that affects pigs but does not infect humans. However, officials warned that the disease could result in major economic losses for pig farmers and traders if not controlled quickly.An official from the department said, “The cooperation of pig farmers, traders, transporters, village councils and the public is very important in containing the outbreak. Any sudden illness or death of pigs should immediately be reported to the nearest veterinary office.” The department also urged farmers to maintain proper hygiene and strict bio-security measures at farms and pig-rearing facilities. Authorities cautioned against the improper disposal of dead pigs, warning that dumping carcasses in rivers, forests or open spaces could worsen the situation and increase the risk of further spread.
