African Swine Fever outbreak in Manipur, pig carcasses found floating in river

The latest ASF outbreak has been reported at eight pig farms in Imphal West district

The rapidly rising cases of the highly contagious African Swine Fever (ASF) in Manipur has killed hundreds of pigs, dealing a major blow to farmers in the state.

Amid the strenuous efforts taken up by State government to combat the rising cases ASF, a large number of pig carcasses have been found dumped by the roadside, paddy fields, and various rivers in the state.

There have also been reports of dead pigs floating in some rivers in the valley districts that fall into Loktak, the biggest freshwater lake in the northeast region.

According to the Manipur Veterinary and Animal Husbandry (VAH) department, ASF has been detected at pig farms in Imphal West, Bishnupur, Imphal East, Ukhrul, Thoubal, Kakching and Kamjong districts.

The latest ASF outbreak has been reported at eight pig farms in Imphal West district.

As per the notifications issued by the respective district administrations, the specific pig farms where the infection has been reported are the epicenters of the disease, and the areas within a kilometer of them have been identified as infected zones, and the areas within 10 kilometers of them are categorized as surveillance zones, while the whole areas have been categorized as controlled areas.

The notifications strictly prohibit movement of pigs (dead or alive) in the controlled areas, “movement and sales of pork and feed within the infected zone and materials that could have contacted the infected or suspected to be infected animals.”

The notifications stated that the Veterinary and Animal Husbandary Department’s officials should cull all pigs in the infected zone and that all vehicles, equipment, and tools used in farms housing pigs—whether they are suspected of being infected or not—should be prohibited from moving without following protocols.

The Veterinary and Animal Husbandary Department today conducted culling at 8 major pig farms at Imphal West district. Around 600 pigs were buried inside a pit near the farm.

The Veterinary Department also issued warnings to other piggery owners not to dispose of pig carcasses in public areas such as roads or rivers. If such farms are found, they will be booked in accordance with local laws.

The Joint Director of the Veterinary Department has already submitted a request to the Government of India for compensation for the farmers who have suffered losses.

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