Itanagar: The Longding district administration in Arunachal Pradesh has imposed an immediate ban on the transit, purchase, and import of live pigs and pork products following a confirmed outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the neighbouring Tinsukia region of Assam, an official notification said.In an advisory issued on Monday, Longding district animal husbandry and veterinary officer Dr O Moyong said the emergency restrictions will remain in force for a period of one month to prevent the entry of the deadly virus into the district.“All pig farmers, livestock traders, and the general public must strictly adhere to these preventive guidelines. Non-compliance will be viewed seriously and may invite punitive action under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009,” the official said.The advisory imposes a complete purchase ban on live pigs, piglets, pork, and pork-based products from Assam or any other affected neighbouring zones. It also cautions farmers against swill feeding—feeding kitchen waste to pigs—citing it as a primary driver of ASF transmission.The veterinary department has issued farm-level biosecurity protocols, including mandatory disinfectant foot dips at pigsty entrances, dedicated farm footwear and clothing, and restrictions on unnecessary visitors, external vehicles, and personnel within farm perimeters. Farmers have been directed to clean and chemically disinfect pig housing units and feeding utensils daily.The official urged livestock owners to watch for symptoms such as high fever, weakness, loss of appetite, hemorrhages or purple patches on the skin, and sudden deaths.“Any pig showing symptoms must be isolated from the healthy herd immediately to prevent internal farm spread. Suspected cases or unusual pig deaths must be reported instantly to the nearest veterinary dispensary or the office of the District Veterinary Officer,” he said.The advisory also prohibits open dumping of carcasses in fields, roadsides, or water bodies to prevent environmental contamination. Farmers have been instructed to dispose of carcasses through deep burial with a heavy layer of lime, or incineration, as guided by veterinary staff, the official added.
