The Animal Resources Development Department (ARDD) of Tripura confirmed on Sunday the emergence of African Swine Fever (ASF) following the discovery of dead pigs under unusual circumstances at the Nalkata Regional Foreign Pig Breeding Centre in Dhalai district. In light of this finding, the state government has officially designated Nalkata as the epicenter of the outbreak and implemented stringent measures to curb its spread.
According to a government report, villages located within a 1 km radius of Nalkata are classified as ‘infected zones,’ while areas extending 10 km from the center fall into ‘surveillance zones.’ Within the infected zones, all pigs must be humanely euthanized and disposed of, either by burial or incineration. The transport of live pigs, pig feed, or pork products into or out of these areas is strictly forbidden, and any freight or animal transport vehicles must possess a valid sanitation certificate issued by the appropriate authorities.
Authorities have also mandated that any suspected or infected pigs and items that may have come into contact with them-such as feed, housing materials, and carcasses-must remain within the infected area. Moreover, all animal markets, fairs, exhibitions, and gatherings involving multiple animals are banned unless specifically permitted by a veterinarian for public health reasons. Municipal, Panchayat, Rural Development, Revenue, and Agriculture Department officials are tasked with supporting veterinarians in enforcing these restrictions. Individuals who violate these regulations, such as those disposing of infected carcasses in rivers or water bodies, risk facing imprisonment, fines, or both under the Animal Disease Prevention and Control Act of 2009.
In the surveillance zones, all restrictions applicable to the infected zones are enforced, apart from penalties related to carcass disposal. Animals in these areas will undergo rigorous clinical, virological, and serological monitoring. Special attention will be given to pigs located near forest areas in collaboration with forest authorities to prevent further disease transmission.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/tripura/story/african-swine-fever-detected-in-tripura-epicenter-declared-restrictions-imposed-1323466-2025-12-28?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-12-28 19:54:00
