Kohima, May 23: The Nagaland government has intensified surveillance and containment measures following outbreaks of African Swine Fever in different parts of the state, with multiple districts imposing restrictions on the movement, sale and import of pigs and pork products.
According to the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, district veterinary officers and field staff have been deployed for surveillance, sample collection, awareness campaigns and bio-security measures aimed at controlling the spread of the disease.
In Mon district, authorities have temporarily prohibited pork sales and banned the import, export and transportation of live pigs until further orders.
In Dimapur district, infected and surveillance zones have been identified after ASF-positive cases were detected at Signal Angami village. Restrictions on the movement, slaughter and transportation of pigs and pork products have also been imposed in affected areas.
The administration in Medziphema subdivision under Chumoukedima district has introduced regulations making prior approval mandatory for commercial slaughter and sale of pigs and pork.
Meanwhile, authorities in Mokokchung district have advised people to avoid purchasing and consuming pork in affected areas under Tuli subdivision, where outbreaks were reported in Chungtia and Kangtsungyimsen villages and Shitikolak ward of Tuli town.
Restrictions related to pig transportation and imports have also been enforced in parts of Peren and Niuland districts.
The measures have affected business activity, with several pork shops remaining closed across parts of the state, including Kohima.
Officials clarified that African Swine Fever does not infect humans but warned that it remains a highly contagious disease among pigs and can lead to severe economic losses for farmers and traders.
The department urged pig farmers, transporters, traders, village councils and the public to cooperate with containment efforts and immediately report unusual illness or deaths among pigs to veterinary authorities.
Farmers have also been advised to maintain strict hygiene and bio-security protocols. Authorities warned against improper disposal of pig carcasses, stating that dumping dead animals in rivers, forests or open spaces could further worsen the outbreak.
The directorate said scientific and administrative measures would continue to prevent further spread and protect the livelihoods of pig farmers across the state.
