Amid African Swine Flu Scare Locals in Dibrugarh Discovers Pigs Imported from Neighbouring State

DIBRUGARH: Amid African Swine fever, locals from the Mohanbari area in Dibrugarh discover pigs procured for meat consumption from neighboring states like Mizoram.

It is to be mentioned here that, at the time when the state witnesses horrifying rise of the unemployment problem, some dishonest people have been, allegedly, importing pigs to Assam from outside of the state, adversely impacting the business of the local pig farmers.

This has come to light after local pig farmers recovered some imported pigs at Mohanbari, Dibrugarh.

The importers supplied the pigs to some local meat vendors, who kept the pigs in a house in an utter unhygienic condition. Flies brood in the carcasses of the pigs.

The vendors killed the pigs in order to sell their meats. The local pig farmers allege that the pig importers brought the pigs violating a ruling of the Gauhati High Court, which banned the import of pigs from outside of the state.

They also alleged that the importers managed the police and veterinary department officials to covertly import pigs. The illegal imports have affected the business of the local pig farmers.

It can be noted that the pig farmers of the state suffered a huge loss due to the onslaught of the African Swine Flu last year.

10 out of 11 districts in Mizoram have been severely affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF) with over 9,000 pigs killed in the last 3 months.

According to the state's animal husbandry and veterinary science department, at least 152 villages or local areas in 10 districts are currently affected by ASF, which has claimed a total of 9,172 pigs since March. causing monetary losses to the tune of over Rs. 36.68 crore.

As per the department joint director (livestock health) Dr. Lalhmingthanga, so far, the ASF has killed 3,092 pigs in Lunglei district, 684 in Mamit district, 939 in Serchhip district, 320 in Lawngtlai district, 334 in Khawzawl district, 83 in Hnahthial district, 257 in Champhai district, 8 in Saitual district and 1 in Siaha district.

Also Read: Fate of Tokyo Olympics Gloomy as Japan Declares Emergency Due to COVID-19

Also Watch: