Assam: ASF outbreak triggers restrictions, pork ban imposed in Tinsukia
Reported by Manoj Kumar Ojha
Doomdooma: Following the confirmation of African Swine Fever (ASF) at Uttar Rangpuria village under Kakopathar near Doomdooma, the Tinsukia district administration has enforced emergency containment measures to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease among pigs.
The village has been identified as the epicentre of the outbreak and authorities have initiated culling operations in the infected zone from May 27 to May 29.
In an order issued on May 26 under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, Tinsukia District Commissioner Sumit Sattawan declared a one-kilometre radius around Uttar Rangpuria village as an “infected zone” and a 10-kilometre radius as a “surveillance zone.”
As part of the restrictions, all pork shops and related establishments in Doomdooma co-district will remain closed for 30 days or until further notice. The movement of pigs and pork products from the affected area to other districts and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh has also been strictly prohibited.
Additionally, the sale of pork in markets across the co-district has been temporarily banned.
African Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, often resulting in high mortality rates. However, veterinary experts have clarified that it does not spread to humans and poses no public health risk.