The Assam government has enacted an immediate ban on the inter-district movement of live pigs due to a significant increase in cases of African Swine Fever (ASF), officials announced on November 17. Additionally, the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department has prohibited the sale of pork in seven districts-Dhemaji, Kamrup, Lakhimpur, Sivasagar, Darrang, Jorhat, and Dibrugarh-where the concentration of ASF infections is highest.
According to the department’s order, ASF, which has a 100% mortality rate, has severely impacted the pig farming industry in the state. The disease has been spreading rapidly since January, with 297 epicenters identified across nearly all districts. Alarmingly, 84 epicenters were reported in October alone, highlighting the urgent nature of the threat.
The government’s order indicates that the rise in ASF cases is “without bounds,” prompting the administration to implement strict containment measures. Citing the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act of 2009, the state has restricted the movement of live pigs until further notice to help curtail the infection’s spread.
Officials have stated that the ban will remain in effect for as long as necessary to prevent the further escalation of this highly lethal disease, which poses a significant challenge to Assam’s livestock sector. The health and economic implications of the outbreak are serious and warrant immediate attention and action from the authorities.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assam-bans-inter-district-movement-of-pigs-as-asf-cases-surge-across-state-1304945-2025-11-17?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-11-17 11:51:00
