Manipur: Authorities Intensify Measures to Tackle African Swine Fever Outbreak

IMPHAL: In response to the recent outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Manipur, the state's Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department has significantly escalated its efforts to contain and manage the contagious disease. ASF has been reported in pig farms across seven districts, including Imphal West, Imphal East, Ukhrul, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, and Kamjong, prompting urgent action.

The most recent ASF outbreak has been officially confirmed in five piggery farms located in Lilong Chajing Mamang Leikei, Konthoujam Maning Leikai, Loitang Khunou, Luker, and Sairemkhul within the Imphal West district. To control the spread of the disease, the Imphal West Deputy Commissioner (DC) issued a notification on October 26th, designating these farms as epicenters. In response, areas within a one-kilometer radius have been declared as infected zones, while those within a ten-kilometer radius are categorized as surveillance zones. All these areas have been designated as controlled areas under strict regulations.

The notification enforces a ban on the movement of pigs, whether alive or deceased, within the controlled areas. Additionally, it prohibits the movement and sale of pork and feed within the infected zones, along with materials that may have come into contact with infected or potentially infected animals. Furthermore, the notification mandates that the culling of all pigs within the infected zone will be carried out by officials from the state Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department.

In addition to these measures, the notification also restricts the movement of equipment, tools, and vehicles used on farms with infected or suspected-to-be-infected pigs unless specific protocols are followed.

Recognizing the widespread nature of ASF in Manipur, the state's Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department has implemented stringent measures to combat the disease not only in the epicenter but also in the broader surveillance zones. The department's Director, NG Ibotombi, confirmed their commitment to fighting the further spread of ASF following laboratory reports.

To achieve this, the department has deployed teams of doctors and staff in every district of the state, ranging from four to seven teams per district. These teams are actively involved in culling infected pigs in the affected zones and have intensified their surveillance activities in the broader surveillance zones. Additionally, the department has initiated awareness programs in districts that remain ASF-free, with plans for a state-level awareness program in the pipeline. These efforts are aimed at both controlling the current outbreak and preventing future occurrences.

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