Dibrugarh: District administration of Dibrugarh has swung into action after African swine fever (ASF) was detected at a farm in the Lahowal area. A strict containment order was issued on Saturday, declaring the affected locality as the epicentre of the outbreak and placing surrounding villages under infected and surveillance zones.According to the order issued by Jayant Charan, additional district magistrate-cum-CEO of the district disaster management authority, Dibrugarh, the outbreak was confirmed at the farm of Shymal Jyoti Dutta in Romai Kordoibum village under Lahowal.Under the order, all villages within a 1-km radius of the epicentre have been designated as the infected zone, while those within a 10-km radius have been classified as the surveillance zone. A total of 83 villages and settlements across the Dibrugarh East revenue circle fall under these two zones, covering a wide swathe of the district’s rural and semi-rural landscape.The restrictions imposed within the infected zone are comprehensive. No live pig, pig feed, pork, or pork products will be allowed to move in or out of the zone. No person is permitted to remove any pig — dead or alive — that is infected or suspected to be infected with ASF. Animal markets, fairs and exhibitions involving pigs have been prohibited. The district veterinary officer has been authorised to order euthanasia of infected animals where necessary to prevent further spread, with carcasses to be disposed of through deep burial following strict biosecurity protocols.All police stations and outposts across Dibrugarh district have been directed to maintain strict vigilance against unauthorised roadside pork selling and to take action as per law. The chief executive officer of Dibrugarh Zilla Parishad, circle officers, the executive officer of Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation and all municipal boards have been asked to raise awareness among gaon panchayats, gaon pradhans and local residents to ensure compliance with containment measures.In the surveillance zone, all pigs will be subjected to intensive clinical, virological and serological surveillance. Monitoring of domestic pig populations in areas adjacent to forests will also be carried out in consultation with the forest department.The order comes into force with immediate effect and will remain in operation until further notice. Authorities have urged pig farmers, traders and the general public to cooperate fully with the containment drive to prevent the disease from spreading further across the district.
