The Dibrugarh district administration has enforced an indefinite restriction on the commercial trade of pork and all pork-related products across the Moran Revenue Circle in Assam. This stringent action follows the confirmation of African Swine Fever (ASF) after a batch of 10 tissue samples collected from local markets tested positive for the viral disease.
Sample Testing and Official Orders
The restriction was formally issued through an official directive by the Dibrugarh District Commissioner on October 25, acting upon a detailed report submitted by the District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer. The compromised samples were gathered from various daily and weekly marketplaces operating within the Moran Revenue Circle before being dispatched for analysis to the North Eastern Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory located in Guwahati.
Containment Measures and Enforcement
As part of immediate containment protocols, every retail outlet dealing in pork and allied items within the Moran Revenue Circle has been instructed to shut down operations until further notice. Furthermore, the transportation and movement of live pigs and pork merchandise to and from surrounding districts have been strictly prohibited. The administration implemented these precautionary safeguards to check the further transmission of African Swine Fever, a severe and highly contagious viral illness impacting swine populations. These restrictions will remain active until the district authorities issue subsequent modification orders.
Legal Penalties and Directives
Authorities have issued a stern warning indicating that any breach or defiance of this order will attract criminal prosecution under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The directive itself draws legal authority from the Disaster Management Act, 2005, alongside the official state government action framework established for preparedness, control, and containment of African Swine Fever. Designated departments and officials have been tasked with rigorous enforcement of these protocols, alongside conducting extensive public outreach campaigns to educate residents and local traders about the emergency measures.
