African Swine Flu in the state under control

Shillong, Jul 22: The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department on Thursday said that the African Swine Flu (ASF) in the state is under control.

Dr. S Tham Assistant Director (Disease Investigation) & Nodal Officer-ASF said, “As of now, the disease is under control, and people should not panic. In case any incident of sudden death of pigs, farmers are to contact the respective District A.H & Veterinary Officer or any nearby A.H & Veterinary Officer.”

According to the department, towards the latter part of November 2020, this disease started subsiding but in the month of April 2021 it started re-appearing in certain villages of Ri-Bhoi District.

Dr. Tham said the total number of the reported death of pigs in Meghalaya is 1,016 in six districts including 38 villages from July 25, 2020 to July 15, 2021, which includes both laboratory confirmed ASF cases and those pending confirmation.

Noting that ASF disease has no public health implications, the veterinarian said, “it is safe to consume pork after cooking properly at 70°C for 30 minutes. There is neither treatment nor vaccine available for ASF and requires strict hygiene and bio-security measures.”

He said the Department of A.H & Veterinary, Meghalaya from the first reported incident of ASF in the State in the month of July 2020 at Lamin village in West Jaintia Hills district had immediately taken prompt action in sending the team to the affected village.

“Around 139 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) were set up spreading across the state to conduct active and passive surveillance,” Dr. Tham added.