KOHIMA, March 21: An outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) has been confirmed in Longleng, Nagaland, with the disease detected at a piggery farm in Yachem Village. The confirmation comes after laboratory analysis verified the presence of the deadly virus, which has led to a surge in pig mortalities in the area.
In response to the outbreak, the district administration has taken immediate action to prevent further spread by establishing two critical containment zones. The “Infected Zone,” which covers a 1-kilometer radius around the affected farm, and the “Surveillance Zone,” extending 10 kilometers beyond the infected area, have been set up to contain the disease. Stricter regulations are being enforced in these areas to ensure tight control over the situation.
Longleng’s Deputy Commissioner (DC) has issued a total ban on the import, export, and transit of pork, pigs, piglets, and all pig-derived items from the Infected Zone to halt the spread of the virus. In the Surveillance Zone, a more stringent surveillance policy has been implemented, requiring close monitoring of all pig farms, marketplaces, and slaughterhouses. Farmers and vendors are now mandated to report any abnormal pig deaths or suspected ASF cases immediately to the local veterinary department.
Authorities have stressed the importance of cooperation among farmers, meat vendors, and the public in controlling the outbreak and minimizing financial losses. The DC has warned that failure to comply with preventive measures will lead to legal action under applicable laws. The government is urging everyone to adhere to the directives to help curb the spread of the disease.
