By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 5: The Meghalaya government on Friday asserted that the recent outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in parts of the state has been largely contained, with the number of cases showing a declining trend.
Speaking to media persons here on Friday, Principal Secretary of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, F.R. Kharkongor, said the government has intensified its response measures and activated 162 Rapid Response Teams and task forces across the state to monitor and contain the spread of the disease.
Kharkongor informed that ASF cases were reported in pockets of East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, West Khasi Hills, and Eastern West Khasi Hills districts.
“The fresh cases are negligible,” he said while adding that ASF being reported in Meghalaya is not an isolated incident but such cases have been reported in different northeastern states.
He further stated that the government is extending financial assistance to affected farmers to the tune of Rs 4,000 per pig lost due to the disease. The Principal Secretary also revealed that the state has sought access to vaccines to tackle the recurring ASF outbreaks. He said that some vaccines are currently in the trial stage, raising hopes for a more effective long-term solution to the disease that has repeatedly impacted pig farmers in Meghalaya.
“Once the vaccines are there, it will solve 99.9 per cent of the concerns,” he said.
Stating that it is completely safe to eat pork, he however advised citizens to exercise caution and precaution before consuming pork.
