Meghalaya Declares Infected Zones and Bans Pig Movement After New African Swine Fever Cases

Overview

• Officials reported fresh African Swine Fever detections in multiple Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts and at the Regional Pig Breeding Farm in Kyrdemkulai, prompting immediate action by the state government.
• Authorities used the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009 to designate 1 km infected zones and 10 km surveillance zones around affected premises.
• The government banned movement of live pigs, pig feed, pork and pork products into and out of notified areas and ordered pig markets, slaughterhouses and abattoirs in those zones to remain closed.
• Veterinary teams, local bodies and Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to step up surveillance, collect samples, inspect farms and enforce biosecurity measures including a prohibition on swill feeding.
• ASF poses no risk to human health but causes high pig mortality and major economic losses, so authorities say the measures aim to protect rural livelihoods and the local meat supply while containing spread to neighbouring areas.