The Assam government imposed an immediate ban on the inter-district movement of live pigs on 17 November following a sharp rise in African Swine Fever (ASF) cases. The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department also prohibited the sale of pork in seven severely affected districts — Dhemaji, Kamrup, Lakhimpur, Sivasagar, Darrang, Jorhat and Dibrugarh.
According to the department, ASF, which has a 100 per cent mortality rate, has caused extensive damage to the state’s piggery sector. The disease has been spreading rapidly since January, with 297 epicentres detected across most districts. Of these, 84 were reported in October, highlighting the escalating situation.
The government’s order stated that ASF cases had been increasing “with no bounds,” leading to strict containment measures under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009. Movement of live pigs will remain restricted until further notice to prevent further spread.
Officials said the ban would continue as required to control the highly lethal infection, which remains a major threat to Assam’s livestock industry.
