More than 1,000 pigs have died in Meghalaya in the last one year of confirmed or suspected African Swine Fever (ASF) but the situation is under control and the public are requested not to panic.
This was stated in a release by the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department today in response to a media report of alleged smuggling of pigs into the state from Assam.
From July 25, 2020 to July 15, 2021, 1,016 pigs died of ASF across six districts. There is no treatment or vaccine to protect pigs that contract the disease, so strict hygiene and bio-security measures are the only way to prevent its spread, the statement said.
Even pigs that have contracted the disease are safe to eat, so long as the meat is cooked at 70 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes.
Last year an outbreak in Meghalaya began in West Jaintia Hills but started to subside by November. However, another outbreak in Ri-Bhoi was detected in April.
“As of now, the disease is under control and people should not panic,” Assistant Director Dr S Tham said. In cases of suspected infection, farmers should inform their closest veterinary officer.
