Dibrugarh district administration has declared three new epicentres of African Swine Fever (ASF) and implemented immediate restrictions on pig movement and pork trade due to recent disease detections in the Moran and Tingkhong revenue circles. In an order issued on Thursday, additional district magistrate Monika Borah, invoking the Disaster Management Act of 2005, identified farming areas owned by Atul Dihingia in Baghtoli Pathar of Khowang block, alongside the farms of Nilakanta Gogoi and Mrinal Jyoti Gogoi in Tingkhong block, as new ASF epicentres.
The directive marks the establishment of “Infected Zones” within a 1-kilometer radius of each epicenter and “Surveillance Zones” that extend 10 kilometers from the outbreak sites, impacting various villages within both revenue circles. “I am satisfied that it is imperative to take urgent measures to prevent, control and eradicate the disease in the interest of public health and safety of livestock,” Borah stated in her order, which is issued under the provisions of the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009.
These new restrictions prohibit any movement of live pigs, pig feed, pork, and pork products in and out of infected zones. Additionally, unauthorized roadside pork selling has been banned throughout the district, and all police stations have been instructed to enforce strict vigilance. The order explicitly mentions that no individual is allowed to remove any pig-either alive or deceased-that is infected or suspected of being infected with African Swine Fever. Violating this order could result in imprisonment, fines, or both.
The administration has empowered district veterinary officers to mandate euthanasia of infected animals when necessary to curtail the disease’s spread. Strict biosecurity protocols must be followed during these culling operations, and all pig carcasses are to be disposed of via deep burial, adhering to specific biosecurity standards. Animal markets, fairs, and exhibitions involving pigs are banned within the infected zones, although veterinary officers may provide exemptions for other animal species if it serves the public interest.
Officials from the zilla parishad, municipal corporation, and all municipal boards have been directed to enhance public awareness and ensure compliance with these containment measures. The forest department will assist with intensified surveillance of domestic pig populations in proximity to forested areas. These restrictions will remain effective until further notice as authorities strive to contain this highly contagious viral disease affecting swine populations.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/dibrugarh-notifies-3-more-asf-eicentres-imposes-strict-restrictions/articleshow/125326562.cms
Category:
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-11-14 17:14:00
