Assam: Over 150 Pigs Die of African Swine Fever in Sivasagar

SIVASAGAR: As many as 150 pigs have died in Sivasagar district of Assam due to African Swine Fever.

As per the district officials, the worst affected villages of Sivasagar include Dehing Kalghar and Jalukonibari. There are reports of carcasses and pigs along with those of infected piglets being transported from Panbecha, Banmukh, Betbari, Meteka and Hansara in the district.

The District office of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department stated that emergency procedures have already been put into place to curtail the menace. In order to stop further spread, the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department has strongly advised the people to undergo immediate culling for the infected pigs.

On the other hand, the Sivasagar District Administration is also stepping in to control the situation.

Selling, stocking, and transporting pigs in Sivasagar town and areas falling under Sivasagar Revenue Circle stand prohibited as per directives from the District Administration.

However, just when the District Administration and the Animal Husbandry Department are initiating measures to control the situation, it is concerning that many people are not abiding by and instead resorting to utter carelessness.

Such an incident came to light when some villagers instead of the using the scientific method as devised by the authorities, instead chose to dispose-off the dead animals at the Dorika river. The Animal Husbandry Department has expressed regret over this incident which has not only increased the probability of the African Swine Fever to spread to fur flung areas. There are also mounting concerns of the virus infected disease to turn into an epidemic.

Meanwhile, people have blamed the Veterinary Department for their lack of efficiency and delay in undertaking sufficient measures to tackle the situation. It may be highlighted here that counting the latest ordeal, this will be the third time that Sivasagar district has been affected by African Swine Fever virus.

Also Read : Manipur Faces Dengue Outbreak Along With Assam

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