Cases of African swine fever, lumpy skin disease under control in Meghalaya

Over 800 pigs and over a hundred cattle infected with the disease have died this year in Meghalaya

Cases of African swine fever and lumpy skin disease in Meghalaya have reduced and are under control, the secretary of animal husbandry and veterinary services said on Saturday.

“There’s no more infection of African swine fever in the state. The last reported deaths in pigs due to African swine fever was in 2nd June, after that we did not report any deaths of African swine fever,” Manju Nathan, Secretary of animal husbandry and veterinary services said.

The outbreak of diseases like African Swine Fever and Lumpy Skin Disease among the livestock in Meghalaya has been a cause of concern, considering the fact that the state has a large meat-eating population.

Over 800 pigs and over a hundred cattle infected with the disease have died this year in Meghalaya, posing a big challenge for the animal husbandry department.

Manju Nathan, Secretary of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, informed that the disease doesn’t pose a threat to humans as it is not transmittable.

“There’s no need to panic about this disease because these two diseases do not transmit from animal to human, so there is no concern for public health,” Manju Nathan told Northeast Live.

Speaking about lumpy skin disease, Manju Nathan said that lumpy skin disease is under control. Daily, around 5–6 cases are detected. That shows that our efforts are working.”

He added that the animal husbandry department is carrying out vaccinations and providing treatment to the affected animals, because of which “more than 80% of the affected animals have recovered.”
“Active cases of suspected lumpy skin disease are about 900 only,” he added.

However, Manju Nathan maintained that the disease will create an economic loss for the farmers if it’s not stopped.

Nathan has requested that people not consume meat from infected animals.

“The Ri Bhoi district, West Khasi Hills district, East Khasi Hills district, and South West Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya have the most cases of African Swine Fever and Lumpy Skin diseases. All these districts are under control now.” Nathan added.

Speaking on steps taken to ensure infected beef is not sold in the market, Nathan said that slaughterhouses and beef sellers should be cautious.

“They should not sell the meat of the infected animals. We have already advised people not to consume infected meat,” Nathan added.

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