Manipur: African Swine Fever Ravages Pig Farms, Causing Rs 30 Crore Loss

IMPHAL: The African Swine Fever (ASF) has emerged as a major crisis, causing significant losses for commercial pig farmers. The highly contagious disease has led to a staggering Rs 30 crore in losses, as approximately 90% of pigs in the affected farms have succumbed to the illness. The Manipur Veterinary and Animal Husbandry (VAS) department has reported ASF cases in various districts across the state, including Imphal West, Bishnupur, Imphal East, Ukhrul, Thoubal, Kakching, and Kamjong.

The initial ASF outbreak was identified in the pig farms at the Central Agricultural University (CAU) in Iroisemba, Imphal West district. Subsequently, the disease spread to several other locations in the district, including Lilong Chajing Mamang Leikei, Konthoujam Maning Leikai, Loitang Khunou, Luker, and Sairemkhul.

L. Bidyasagar, the Joint Secretary of the Manipur Progressive Pig Farmers Association (MAPPFA), confirmed that they have received reports of pig deaths from all the commercial piggery farms affected by ASF. Ukhrul district has witnessed the highest number of pigs infected by the disease, resulting in substantial financial losses for commercial pig farmers across the five valley districts of Manipur.

Leaders of the association have made a fervent appeal to the public to cooperate with officials from the Manipur VAH department during their visits to controlled areas for culling pigs. Alarming reports of dead pigs found floating in rivers and Loktak Lake have prompted the association to implore people not to dispose of carcasses in water bodies, highlighting the importance of proper disposal.

In response to the outbreak, deputy commissioners of the ASF-affected districts have issued notifications, designating the pig farms where ASF has been reported as epicenters. They have delineated a one-kilometer radius around these farms as infected zones and a ten-kilometer radius as surveillance zones. These areas are now categorized as controlled areas.

The notifications emphasize the need for the culling of all pigs within the infected zones by officials from the Manipur VAH department. Furthermore, they stipulate that equipment, tools, and vehicles used in farms with infected or potentially infected pigs should be subject to restricted movement and strict protocols.

The African Swine Fever outbreak in Manipur continues to pose a significant challenge to the state's pig farming industry, impacting not only the livelihoods of commercial pig farmers but also raising concerns about public health and environmental consequences due to improper carcass disposal. Collaborative efforts between farmers, authorities, and the community are vital in addressing this crisis and preventing further spread of the disease.

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