Meghalaya government has intensified efforts to contain the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) and imposed restrictions on pig transportation and trade in affected districts, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Wednesday.
Sangma said the outbreak was being closely monitored and immediate measures had been put in place to prevent the disease from spreading further.
“This has been a problem in the past also. We are monitoring the situation and taking immediate action. The department is taking measures to ensure that ASF doesn’t spread on a large scale,” he told reporters.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Government of Meghalaya, has issued a notification following the confirmation of ASF outbreaks in several villages across the State. The notification has been issued in exercise of the powers conferred under Sections 6 and 20 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, with the objective of preventing, controlling and eradicating the disease.
According to the notification, confirmed cases of African Swine Fever have been detected in villages under Pynursla Block, East Khasi Hills District, namely Urksew Wahpathaw and Mawkajein; Mawlai Block, including Mawlai Mawkynroh and Mawlai Umrynjah; Mawthadraishan Block, including the Base Pig Breeding Farm, Nongkasen and Wahliewlong in West Khasi Hills District; Umsning Block in Ri-Bhoi District, including the Regional Pig Breeding Farm (RPBF), Kyrdemkulai (Multiplier/Nucleus/State Plan/RKVY), Lum Umpih, Nongthymmai Umsning, Umsning Proper B, Lum Nongrim, Rongpharkong, Umiarong, Umshorshor and Umsaitsniang Nongpdeng; Bhoirymbong Block, including Mawkyrdep, Nongthymmai Kyrdem, Syllei-U-Lar, Umroi Madan and Labansaro; and Mawphanniew village under Mairang Block in Eastern West Khasi Hills District.
In accordance with the National Action Plan for Control, Containment and Eradication of African Swine Fever formulated by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, villages falling within a one-kilometre radius of infected premises have been designated as “Infected Zones,” while villages within a ten-kilometre radius have been designated as “Surveillance Zones.” The prescribed restrictions have come into force with immediate effect.