Assam bans inter-district pig movement, pork sale amid African Swine Fever surge

Guwahati: The Assam government has ordered an immediate halt to the inter-district transport of live pigs following a significant rise in African Swine Fever (ASF) cases, officials reported on November 17.

The state’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department has also banned the sale of pork in seven districts, Dhemaji, Kamrup, Lakhimpur, Sivasagar, Darrang, Jorhat, and Dibrugarh, which have seen the highest concentration of infections.

According to the department, ASF, which is fatal in 100% of cases, has caused severe losses to Assam’s pig farming sector.

The disease has been spreading rapidly since January, with 297 outbreak sites reported across nearly all districts. Of these, 84 were identified in October alone, highlighting the accelerating threat.

The government noted that ASF cases continue to rise uncontrollably, necessitating stringent containment measures.

Citing the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, the state has restricted the movement of live pigs until further notice to prevent further spread of the disease.

Officials confirmed that the ban will remain in effect as long as necessary to control ASF, which continues threatening Assam’s livestock sector.