No respite from African Swine Flu in Assam

 STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Assam did not see any respite from African Swine Flu (ASF) last year in November and December as four epicentres were detected in the State during these two months.

ASF, a highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs which has a mortality rate of 100 per cent, was first detected in Assam in May 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. The disease does not transmit from pigs to humans. Scientists have not been able to come up with an effective vaccine for ASF as yet. There is no other option but to cull the infected pigs to prevent the spread of the disease.

According to sources in the State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department (AH&V), in November and December last year, a total of four epicentres were detected in the State in the districts of Kamrup (metro), Dhemaji, Lakhimpur and Darrang, while the total number of epicentres detected last year (2022) was 67. With these 67 epicentres, the cumulative figure of epicentres detected in the State since the outbreak of the disease in May 2020 is 120.

Sources further said that in November and December last year, the total number of pigs culled was 1,406 while 577 pigs died due to ASF. The total number of pig farming families whose livelihood was affected due to the disease in these two months was 33.

Since the outbreak of the disease in May 2020, the total number of pigs culled in the State is 4,604 while 42,369 pigs died and 14,208 pig farming families have been affected.

ASF is a highly contagious disease so it is necessary to cull pigs within a radius of one kilometre from the epicentre of the disease. The State Government provides due compensation to pig farmers for the culling of pigs. Sources in the AH&V Department said that pig farmers should immediately inform the department when they spot symptoms of the disease in pigs. Quick action in the form of culling will prevent the further spread of the disease.

Sources further added that initially there was a lot of hesitation among pig farmers to have their pigs culled but this seems to have changed a little in the last few months. Pig farmers are slowly cooperating with the department to get infected pigs culled. As the disease continues to spread in the State, there is need for extensive awareness campaigns to sensitize pig farmers.

Also Read:  African Swine Flu kills 39,340 pigs since 2020 in Assam

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