ITANAGAR, May 4: In view of the spurt in mortality of pigs in Arunachal Pradesh that has been noticed since January this year, state’s Department of AHV & DD carried out sample collection and treatment of ailing pigs.
After collection of samples from the ailing and dead pigs numbering 62 which were later sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) (ICAR institute), Bhopal by special cargo flight, the report now suggests  occurrence of African Swine Fever (ASF) in East Siang and Papum Pare districts.  
In light of the above findings, Secretary, AHV & DD called a meeting of all senior officers of the department on May 2 last to formulate strategies for control and containment of the viral menace. Accordingly, a state-wide ban on transportation of pigs and sale of pork has already been imposed and several advisories have also been issued. Some of the advisories to be followed by the farmers are- reporting any ailment of pigs to the nearest veterinary dispensaries, segregation and isolation of ill and diseased pigs, disinfection of farm premises and restriction on entry of outsiders to pig farms. 
A day-to-day reporting system has been set in place and all DAHVOs have been directed to report any disease occurrence to the Directorate of AHV & DD Nirjuli for further investigation. A detailed control and containment strategy has also been put in place with two helpline numbers -6909901104/09 for reporting any unusual pig mortality or disease between 9 am & 5 pm. Secretary, AHV & DD Mimum Tayeng is monitoring the ASF outbreak and has urged people not to panic and cooperate with the department by providing necessary information and adhering to departmental advisories.
ASF is an exotic Trans-boundary Animal Disease (TAD) which is highly contagious and viral in nature affecting pigs and it is the first incidence of occurrence in the country with Assam also coming under its influence. Most of the clinical symptoms resemble with the common Classical Swine Fever (CSF) disease which is endemic in this part of the country and can be controlled by timely vaccination. However, ASF is more deadly having no treatment or vaccine till date. Although, it is non-zoonotic in nature, it is proving to be lethal for swine population including wild boars.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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