Manipur, a state in northeastern India, has declared an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) after confirming cases in several pig farms. The Pig Farm of the Central Agriculture University (CAU) in Imphal West District has been identified as the ‘epicentre’ of the contagious disease. In response to the outbreak, authorities have issued orders prohibiting the movement and transportation of pigs within the restricted area.
The declaration comes after pig farmers in Manipur reported a surge in pig deaths with symptoms like fever, loss of appetite, starvation, and death within a week. The state’s Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department collected samples from affected piggeries and sent them to the North Eastern Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (NERDDL) in Guwahati for testing. Based on the laboratory report, the ASF outbreak was confirmed.
To control and eradicate the infectious disease, the Imphal West district has been designated as a restricted area with immediate effect. The Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Disease in Animals Act, 2009, empowers authorities to take action against any person contravening the provisions of the act or obstructing the competent officers in their duties.
The ASF outbreak raises concerns about the spread of the disease across northeastern states. Previous outbreaks have resulted in significant losses, both in terms of pigs and finances. Experts suggest that the disease may have been brought into Manipur through pigs or pork from neighboring countries like Myanmar and Bangladesh, as well as other states in the northeast.
The northeastern region heavily relies on the pork business, with an estimated annual worth of around Rs 8,000-Rs 10,000 crore, and Assam serving as the largest supplier. The sudden drop in pork prices in Manipur from Rs 350-380 to Rs 180-200 has attracted non-vegetarian consumers to pork outlets in Imphal city.
Efforts to contain the ASF outbreak are crucial to safeguarding the region’s pork industry and preventing further financial losses for farmers. Authorities will continue to monitor and implement measures to prevent the spread of the disease beyond the restricted area.
In conclusion, Manipur has declared an outbreak of African Swine Fever, with a pig farm identified as the epicentre. Prohibitions on pig movement within the restricted area have been put in place, and strict measures are being enacted to prevent, control, and eradicate the disease. The impact on the region’s pork industry highlights the importance of swift action to safeguard livelihoods and prevent further losses.
