Several pockets of African swine fever (ASF) have been identified in Meghalaya, leading to serious concern that the disease could wreak havoc on the rural economy, cause a fall in supply of pork and lead to an increase in prices consumers pay for one of the most popular meats in the state.
Pig tissue samples were analysed earlier this month by the North Eastern Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (NERDDL) in Guwahati. As a result of which, the Meghalaya government has declared several epicentres of ASF in the state – Gindo Pig Farm in West Garo Hills, Masighat in South Garo Hills, Syllei U Lar, Madan and Mawlyngkhung in Ri-Bhoi and Tiehsaw in West Khasi Hills.
Specific restrictions apply to such areas in order to try and prevent the spread of the disease.
This was informed by the Secretary of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department today.
Although ASF cannot be passed from swine to humans, it can devastate populations of domestic pigs, on which many small farmers rely on for additional income. The state government has also spent crores of rupees on its Piggery Mission, including in the giving away of piglets to farmers. With the arrival of ASF, the fate of the scheme, and the pigs, hangs in the balance.
