The administration of Arunachal Pradesh’s Longding district has imposed an immediate ban on the transportation and purchase of live pigs and pork products from Assam’s Tinsukia region following the confirmation of an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF).
In an advisory issued on Monday, district authorities said the restrictions have been introduced as a precautionary measure to prevent the entry and spread of the highly contagious viral disease into Longding district. The ban will remain in effect for a period of one month.
Officials directed pig farmers, livestock traders and members of the public to strictly adhere to the restrictions, warning that violations would invite action under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009.
Under the advisory, the purchase and transportation of live pigs, piglets, pork and pork-based products from Assam and other ASF-affected areas have been prohibited. Authorities have also instructed farmers to discontinue swill feeding, the practice of feeding kitchen waste to pigs, citing it as a major pathway for the transmission of the disease.
The district veterinary department has simultaneously issued detailed biosecurity guidelines for pig farms. Farmers have been directed to install disinfectant foot dips at pigsty entrances, use dedicated footwear and clothing within farm premises, and restrict the entry of unnecessary visitors, vehicles and outside personnel.
In addition, livestock owners have been advised to regularly clean and chemically disinfect pig sheds, feeding equipment and surrounding farm areas to minimise the risk of infection.
Authorities have urged farmers to remain alert for symptoms associated with ASF, including high fever, weakness, loss of appetite, haemorrhages, purple skin patches and sudden deaths among pigs. Any suspected case must be immediately isolated and reported to the nearest veterinary dispensary, district veterinary officer or the office of the District Veterinary Officer.
The advisory also cautioned against the improper disposal of animal carcasses. Farmers have been instructed not to discard dead pigs in fields, roadside areas or water bodies. Instead, infected carcasses should be disposed of through deep burial with lime or by incineration under the supervision of veterinary officials.
The district administration said the measures have been put in place to protect the local pig population and prevent the spread of African Swine Fever, a disease that has caused significant losses to pig farmers across several northeastern states in recent years.
