April 24, 2020

 

India's Nagaland reports no ASF cases

 

 

According to an April 22 report by Eastern Mirror, amid reports of pigs dying in the neighbouring states due to swine fever, Dr Michael Imchen, VAS at Veterinary Hospital Dimapur, says that no cases have been reported in Nagaland.

 

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 1,300 pigs have died in five districts of upper Assam in less than a week.

 

"Due to the lockdown, other states are also finding it difficult to procure vaccination on time; no complaints in Nagaland as of now," informed Imchen.

 

He informed that swine fever only affects pigs, unlike swine flu that also affects humans.

 

"Once reports come in, samples will be sent for laboratory testing and vaccination will also begin soon," said Imchen.

 

He informed that swine fever is endemic and sometimes could even happen throughout the year.

 

With reports of village councils not adhering to guidelines and co-operate with medical officials in particular, to enter or exit village areas, Imchen informed that the deputy commissioner (DC) has already provided permits but also appealed to the village councils to co-operate in such times.

 

"We will go ahead with the vaccinations in a few days' time if village councils comply and co-operate," said Imchen.

 

Thanking the government for acknowledging veterinarians as 'essentials,' Imchen stated that if movement is restricted, farmers who rear animals would face difficulty and feeds for the animals will not be available.

 

The DC of Dimapur also spoke to this newspaper and informed that the village councils will be apprised regarding restriction of medical officials especially veterinarians, in order to begin vaccination.

 

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in its 20th livestock census from 2012-2019, reported that the market for pork in the Northeast region (NER) of the country amounts to more than US$1 billion with Assam having the largest number of pigs in the country. It also informed that the region consumes around 4.26 tonnes of pork, which is 65% of the country's consumption.