The Kohima district administration has implemented containment measures following the confirmation of African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks in several villages. According to a notification issued by Deputy Commissioner B. Henok Buchem, laboratory test reports from the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer confirmed the presence of the disease in Rütsie, P. Khel, Kohima Village, and Mezoma Village.
The district administration has declared a 1-km radius around the infected premises as the Infected Zone and a 10-km radius as the Surveillance Zone. This move aims to prevent the spread of the disease and mitigate its impact on the local pig population.
In response to the outbreak, the administration has imposed an immediate ban on the import, export, and movement of live pigs and pork products within, into, or out of the Infected and Surveillance Zones. Additionally, all pork markets and butcher shops within the designated areas have been ordered to remain closed until further notice.
Pig farmers in the affected areas have been advised to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease. They have been directed to restrict visitors to their farms, regularly disinfect farm premises, and immediately report any unusual illness or deaths among pigs to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services.
The public has also been cautioned to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing or consuming pork from unknown or unverified sources. Furthermore, pig carcasses must be disposed of through safe burial in accordance with prescribed protocols, and dumping carcasses in rivers, streams, or open areas is strictly prohibited.
The Deputy Commissioner has warned that anyone violating the notified directives will be liable for prosecution under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, and other applicable provisions of the law.
