African Swine Fever hits Assam again: Culling begins in Tinsukia District

Guwahati: Assam Tinsukia District Administration has confirmed an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) at Gobindapur village under the Makum Development Block, prompting the authorities to declare parts of the district an Infected Zone.

According to an official notification issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Tinsukia, a one-kilometre radius around the affected village has been designated as an Infected Zone, where immediate culling of pigs will begin as per the Action Plan for Preparedness, Control & Containment of ASF formulated by the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, Assam.

The move aims to halt the further spread of the highly contagious viral disease that affects pigs and wild boars.

Meanwhile, a ten-kilometre Surveillance Zone has been established around Gobindapur, covering several adjoining areas under the Makum Block.

In this zone, veterinary officials will carry out strict monitoring, health screening of livestock, and enforce movement restrictions on pigs and pig-related products.

Residents across the Tinsukia district have been urged not to consume pork or any pork-derived items until further notice.

The administration has also appealed to the public to maintain hygiene and avoid contact with infected animals.

District officials said all piggery farms within the infected area will undergo disinfection and biosecurity measures, while compensation procedures for farmers affected by culling will follow government guidelines.

The District Administration, Tinsukia, in its appeal, stated: “Public cooperation is crucial in containing this outbreak. We urge farmers, traders, and residents to strictly follow all advisories and cooperate with the veterinary teams on the ground.”

Although African Swine Fever is harmless to humans, it has caused significant economic losses to pig farmers in several parts of Assam in recent years, making the Tinsukia detection a matter of grave concern for the state’s livestock sector.