Pig culling begins in North Tripura after detection of African Swine fever

Agartala: The culling operation of pigs in Uricherra of Subhash Nagar ADC village in Kanchanpur of North Tripura began on Sunday after Northeastern Regional Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory, Guwahati tested tissue samples of suspected pigs positive for African Swine fever, said Director of Animal Resource Development Dr K Sashi Kumar.

He said Exotic Pig Breeding Farm of Kanchanpur has been declared the epicentre of the disease as per the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animal Act. The department has issued restrictions on the movement of pigs in the area and one kilometre radius from the epicentre has been declared an infected zone while 10 km area has been declared as surveillance zone.

“As of now, 96 pigs have been identified for culling and the bodies would go for deep burring as per our standard protocol, as the disease is highly infectious and also risky for human beings too. All the pigs identified for culling belong to the private owners and they will be provided compensation based on the size of the pig ranging from Rs 2200 to Rs 15000,” Dr Sashi Kumar said.

Immediately, after confirmation of the presence of African swine fever virus in the area, the department has increased surveillance and issued alerts to both police and civil administration and imposed general restrictions in the area. As per the restrictions, transportation of dead or alive pigs, pig meat and fodder to and from the infected zone and surveillance zone would not be allowed.

The villagers have been instructed to keep a close watch on the health and behaviour of their livestock along with pigs and if finds any suspicious sign, immediately inform the veterinary officials, the administration advised adding, “No citizen should consider the disease casually and keep a close watch on the animals’ behaviour. Also, to manage the animal extracts properly.” (UNI)