GUWAHATI: The administration of Arunachal Pradesh’s Longding district has imposed a temporary ban on the import and movement of pigs and pork products from Assam’s Tinsukia district after an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) was confirmed in the neighbouring region.
ALSO READ: Rare Dragonfly Species Rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh After More Than 100 Years
In an official advisory issued on Monday, June 1, the district administration said the restrictions have been enforced with immediate effect as a preventive step to stop the spread of the contagious viral disease. The ban will remain in place for one month.
Authorities have prohibited the transportation and purchase of live pigs, piglets, pork and pork-derived products from Assam and other ASF-affected areas. The administration warned that anyone violating the order would face legal action under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009.
The advisory also directed pig farmers to discontinue swill feeding — the practice of feeding pigs with leftover kitchen waste — citing it as a major source of ASF transmission.
Alongside the restrictions, the district veterinary department has issued a series of biosecurity measures for pig farms. Farmers have been instructed to install disinfectant foot dips at the entrances of pig sheds, use separate footwear and clothing inside farms, and limit the entry of visitors, vehicles and outside personnel.
Officials further advised regular cleaning and chemical disinfection of pig enclosures, feeding utensils and nearby farm premises to reduce the risk of infection.
The administration has urged livestock owners to stay alert for symptoms associated with ASF, including high fever, weakness, loss of appetite, skin discolouration, bleeding and sudden deaths among pigs. Farmers have been asked to immediately isolate suspected animals and inform the nearest veterinary authorities.
The advisory also cautioned against dumping carcasses in open areas, roadsides or water bodies. Instead, infected animals must be disposed of through deep burial with lime or by incineration under veterinary supervision.