The order authorises the District Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Officer and other designated officers to carry out culling operations on November 21, 22, and 23, 2025. (Representative Image)
Guwahati: The District Administration of Assam's Tinsukia has declared an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Baruaholla and Dimoruguri villages under Makum Development Block, prompting containment measures including culling of pigs and a ban on the sale and movement of pork and pork-related items for 30 days.
An official order (No. TDM.4/2013/Pt-II/172) issued on November 20, 2025, by the District Commissioner, Tinsukia, notified the area within a 1-kilometre radius of the affected villages as the “infected zone,” while a 10-kilometre radius has been declared a “surveillance zone,” effective from November 18, 2025.
The order authorises the District Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Officer and other designated officers to carry out culling operations on November 21, 22, and 23, 2025.
The presence of the District Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Officer or a nominated veterinary officer is mandatory during the culling process.
Restrictions implemented with immediate effect:
All pork shops and outlets within the Tinsukia district will remain closed for 30 days.
The sale of pork at outlets and markets across the district is prohibited for 30 days.
Movement of pigs, pork, and related items to and from other districts is banned until further notice.
Violations of the order may result in prosecution under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Animals Act.
African Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs. It is not transmissible to humans and has no vaccine or treatment.
The disease can cause high mortality in affected herds and has affected pig populations in several Northeast states since 2020.
Local pig rearers in Makum and nearby areas may face financial impacts due to the culling and market restrictions.
The district administration stated that compensation will be provided according to government guidelines.
Authorities have requested the public to report unusual pig deaths to the nearest veterinary office and to follow the restrictions to prevent further spread.
