The Noklak district administration in Nagaland has officially declared New Pangsha village an African Swine Fever (ASF) infected area after laboratory tests verified the presence of the disease, triggering the immediate enforcement of stringent containment protocols.
Confirmation of the Outbreak
An official order issued by Noklak Deputy Commissioner P Mono Khiamniungan stated that a tissue sample collected from New Pangsha village returned positive for ASF at the Animal Health Centre, NERDDL, located in Guwahati’s Khanapara.
This verification followed a formal report submitted by the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer in Noklak, which had received multiple alerts regarding unusual pig deaths occurring within and around the village.
Infected and Surveillance Zones
Characterising ASF as a highly contagious viral illness that exclusively targets pigs, local authorities emphasized that urgent steps were mandatory to halt any further transmission of the virus.
Consequently, the administration designated all territory within a one-kilometre radius of New Pangsha as the Infected Zone, while stretching the boundaries up to 10 kilometres beyond it to form the Surveillance Zone.
Prohibitions and Public Advisories
As part of the containment strategy, local authorities have banned the slaughter, purchasing, selling, consumption, and transportation of live pigs and pork products across the designated affected sectors.
Furthermore, residents have received stern warnings to completely avoid buying, selling, or consuming pork or any related items within both the infected zone and its adjoining neighborhoods.
Carcass Disposal and Veterinary Protocols
The administrative directive mandates that the carcasses of any deceased pigs must be disposed of strictly through deep burial or incineration, adhering closely to established biosecurity and sanitary guidelines.
In addition, the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer has been instructed to execute all necessary surveillance, quarantine, containment, sanitization, and disease-mitigation protocols in strict alignment with government standards and standard operating procedures.
Reporting and Duration of Restrictions
Authorities have urged community members to promptly report any suspected infection symptoms or sudden pig fatalities to the nearest veterinary center, hospital, or the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer in Noklak.
These emergency restrictions will remain in full force until further notice as the local administration presses forward with its ongoing campaign to suppress the outbreak and safeguard animal welfare.
