MAWKYRWAT: Despite Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong’s recent announcement on the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) coming to a halt in state, South West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner on Tuesday directed the people of the district to immediately contact the rapid response teams (RRTs) if any sign of abnormal mortality in pigs is reported.
Tynsong had, last week, also said that there are no more cases of ASF being reported in the state.
However, as per reports received from the Additional DC, in-charge of Ranikor Civil Sub-Division and the District Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Officer, some cases of abnormal death of pigs were reported in Umpung village under Ranikor Civil Sub-Division and in Mawthong village under Mawkyrwat C&RD Block.
The DC has, therefore, directed all pig farms to take adequate measures for strict hygiene and bio-security measures as per protocols issued by the AH & Vet Department.
“Pig farm owners shall maintain hygiene and bio-secure condition at all times and restricts the entry of personnel into farm premises. Pig owners should take preventive measures to prevent transmission of diseases from wild boar,and stray pigs. Movements of pig handlers from one pig shed to other pig shed are prohibited. Feeding of swill (kitchen and restaurant wastes) in infected zones should be stopped by the pig farm owners. Waste from slaughter houses and pork stalls has to be disposed of properly after following all standards protocols including disinfection and burial in disease-free zones,” the DC said.