Suspected cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in Mokokchung have been going on for a while with reports of deaths in pigs have surfaced in many areas across the district.

Based on these developments, the district Veterinary & Animal Husbandry officials were contacted and they informed that samples have been collected and sent to NERDDL, regional laboratory at Guwahati and for which the results are being awaited, which is expected in a week’s time.  The official further stated that sero-surveillance has been conducted in various places.

In the light of this, the department officials issued advisory for the public including, maintenance of bio-security, stopping consumption of meat from unknown sources, avoiding feeding of kitchen waste as far as possible and not allowing poultry birds into piggery sheds.

 The officials further stated that since there are no vaccines or treatment for diseases such as ASF, the department urged those people engaged in rearing pigs and owning piggeries to be extremely cautious and follow the above mentioned preventive measures so as to be safe.

(Courtesy: Moasashi Jamir)