Sale of pork resumes in city

SHILLONG: Pork is set to be back on the menu after the state Animal Husbandry & Veterinary department clarified that pigs in the state were not afflicted with African swine fever.
Revealing this, the president of Khasi Jaintia Pig Association, Don Kharumnuid, said, “The Veterinary doctors called and said there is nothing wrong with pigs and it is ok to sell and consume pork”.
As many as 38 samples of pigs in the state have tested negative for African swine fever, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said on Friday.
Informing that the ban on import of pigs from outside and also inter-district transportation of pigs is still in place, Tynsong said he has instructed Veterinary officials in the different districts to be more vigilant and pro-active.
“We have also issued directions that they should respond immediately with medicines if there is any report of pigs suffering from swine fever,” he said.
Tynsong further clarified that sale of pork from the piggery farms within East Khasi Hills district is still allowed.
He also advised people to consume pork only after cooking it at temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius for at least 20 minutes.