Shillong, June 02: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Government of Meghalaya, has issued a notification following the confirmation of African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks in several villages across the State.
The notification has been issued in exercise of the powers conferred under Sections 6 and 20 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, with the objective of preventing, controlling and eradicating the disease.
According to the notification, confirmed cases of African Swine Fever have been detected in villages under Pynursla Block, East Khasi Hills District, namely Urksew Wahpathaw and Mawkajem; Mawlai Block, including Mawlai Mawkynroh and Mawlai Umrynjah; Mawthadraishan Block, including the Base Pig Breeding Farm, Nongkasen and Wahliewlong in West Khasi Hills District.
Umsning Block in Ri-Bhoi District, including the Regional Pig Breeding Farm (RPBF), Kyrdemkulai (Multiplier/Nucleus/State Plan/RKVY), Lum Umpih, Nongthymmai Umsning, Umsning Proper B, Lum Nongrim, Rongpharkong, Umiarong, Umshorshor and Umsaitsniang Nongpdeng; Bhoirymbong Block, including Mawkyrdep, Nongthymmai Kyrdem, Syllei-U-Lar, Umroi Madan and Labansaro; and Mawphanniew village under Mairang Block in Eastern West Khasi Hills District.
In accordance with the National Action Plan for Control, Containment and Eradication of African Swine Fever formulated by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, villages falling within a one-kilometre radius of infected premises have been designated as “Infected Zones,” while villages within a ten-kilometre radius have been designated as “Surveillance Zones.” The prescribed restrictions have come into force with immediate effect.
Restrictions in Infected Zones, The Department has imposed stringent restrictions in infected zones to prevent further spread of the disease. Movement of live pigs, pig feed, pork and pork products into or out of infected zones has been strictly prohibited. The movement of pig-associated equipment, veterinary supplies, breeding tools and farm materials from infected areas has also been banned.
Pig farm owners and handlers have been directed to maintain strict hygiene and biosecurity protocols, restrict entry of visitors into farm premises, and prevent movement of pig handlers between pig sheds. Access to infected premises has been restricted, and all vehicles leaving infected zones must undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection.
The notification further prohibits any person from removing live or dead pigs suspected or confirmed to be infected with ASF. Pig feed, bedding materials, carcasses, skins or any other materials that may have come into contact with infected animals are not permitted to be moved from infected premises.
Carcasses of infected animals must be disposed of within the infected premises through deep burial with adequate lime cover. Disposal of carcasses in rivers, streams, lakes or other water bodies has been strictly prohibited.
In exceptional circumstances where on-site disposal is not feasible, transportation of carcasses may only be undertaken by authorised agencies under the supervision of the District Veterinary Office, following strict biosecurity protocols and using leak-proof vehicles.
The Department has also directed that contaminated feed, slurry, swill, bedding materials, litter and farm waste products be disposed of through deep burial. Preliminary and secondary disinfection of infected premises must be carried out under the supervision and guidance of Veterinary Officers and Rapid Response Teams (RRTs).
A complete ban has been imposed on the slaughter of pigs and the sale of pork and pork products within infected zones. Pig markets and abattoirs operating in such areas are required to remain closed until further orders. Swill feeding, including the use of kitchen and restaurant waste as pig feed, has also been prohibited.
The notification further states that any individual found disposing of infected animal carcasses in rivers, lakes, canals or other water bodies will be liable for prosecution under the Act. First-time offenders may face a fine of ₹2,000 or imprisonment for one month in case of non-payment, while repeat offenders may face fines up to ₹5,000 or imprisonment extending up to three months, or both.
Restrictions in Surveillance Zones, In surveillance zones, movement of live pigs from surveillance areas into infected zones has been prohibited. While movement of pigs within surveillance zones is permitted, strict monitoring will be maintained.
The transport of pig-related equipment and supplies from infected zones into surveillance areas is not allowed. Carcasses must be disposed of through deep burial with lime cover, and disposal in rivers or other water bodies remains prohibited.
Movement of manure, slurry and pig waste is restricted, except under authorised arrangements for safe disposal. Pig owners and handlers have been directed to maintain biosecurity measures, limit visitor access and prevent movement of handlers between pig sheds.
Vehicles used for transporting pigs, livestock or potentially contaminated materials must undergo cleaning and disinfection before leaving surveillance zones. Swill feeding remains prohibited, and waste from slaughterhouses and pork stalls must be disposed of safely through deep burial.
Movement of pork and pork products from surveillance zones to disease-free areas is prohibited. No animal gatherings or livestock events involving pigs will be permitted in surveillance zones. Veterinary authorities will continue clinical surveillance and sample collection to monitor the spread of the disease.
The Department has also directed the Divisional Forest Officer, Wildlife Division, to take necessary measures to monitor and manage wild boar populations in forest areas surrounding infected and surveillance zones.
Preventive Measures in Free Zones, For areas outside surveillance zones, classified as Free Zones, the Department has advised pig farmers and handlers to maintain strict hygiene and biosecurity standards, restrict entry of unauthorised persons, and ensure proper cleaning and disinfection of farm premises and equipment.
Pig owners have been advised to confine their animals and prevent contact with wild boars, scavenging pigs and stray animals. Movement of pigs, pork products and feed from infected and surveillance zones into free zones has been prohibited. Entry of pork meat and pork products from affected areas is also not permitted.
The feeding of meat, slaughter waste and kitchen waste to pigs has been banned. Farmers have been advised to regularly monitor the health of their animals, undertake deworming and other routine management practices, and immediately report any signs of illness or unusual mortality to veterinary authorities.
The Department has appealed to all pig farmers, traders, transporters, local institutions and members of the public to strictly comply with the prescribed restrictions and biosecurity measures. Village Dorbars, Dolloi, Headmen, Nokmas, Municipalities and other local bodies have been requested to extend full cooperation to Veterinary Officers and Rapid Response Teams in implementing containment and disease-control measures.
The Department reiterated that continued surveillance, monitoring and coordinated response efforts are essential to contain the spread of African Swine Fever and protect the livelihoods of pig farmers across Meghalaya.
