The Meghalaya government has imposed a comprehensive ban on the slaughter of pigs and the sale of pork and pork products within infected zone villages across six blocks in four districts, following an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF). According to a government statement, the outbreak has been confirmed in villages under Pynursla and Mawlai blocks in East Khasi Hills, Mawthadraishan block in West Khasi Hills, Umsning and Bhoirymbong blocks in Ri-Bhoi, and Mawphanniew in eastern West Khasi Hills.
Government Response and Monitoring
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma stated that the state government is closely monitoring the ASF outbreak and taking immediate action to contain it. He noted that the disease has been a recurring issue in Meghalaya. Sangma remarked, "There are few cases, but we will do our best to ensure that this does not spread throughout the state."
Zones and Restrictions
Following the National Action Plan, villages within a one-kilometre radius of infected premises have been declared "infected zones," and those within 10 kilometres as "surveillance zones." In infected zones, the movement of live pigs, pork, pig feed, and farm equipment is banned. Slaughter of pigs and sale of pork are prohibited, markets and abattoirs must remain closed, and swill feeding is banned. Carcasses must be disposed of through deep burial with lime.
In surveillance zones, pig movement is restricted, biosecurity must be maintained, and gatherings involving pigs are banned. Free zones have been advised to maintain strict hygiene, and movement of pigs from affected areas is banned. Violators face fines and imprisonment under the Act.
Legal Framework and Directives
The notification has been issued by the state animal husbandry and veterinary department 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. 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.
"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," the notification directed. Any individual found disposing of infected animal carcasses in rivers, lakes, canals, or other water bodies will be liable for prosecution. The wildlife division has been directed to take necessary measures to monitor and manage wild boar populations in forest areas surrounding infected and surveillance zones.
