The villages of Dalu and Asiragre under Dalu Block in West Garo Hills District have been declared as the ‘epicenters’ of African Swine Fever (ASF) disease.
Dr. Manjunatha, C, IFS, Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department informed that this is based on a letter from the North Eastern Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (NERDDL), Guwahati, which confirms the outbreak of African Swine Fever in Meghalaya.
“Based on the test result of pig tissue samples dated 30.3.2023 regarding confirmation of African Swine Fever outbreak in Meghalaya by the North Eastern Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (NERDDL) Guwahati vide letter No AHC-107/NERDDL/ASF/ Result/Vol-II/2022-23/108, dated 31st March, 2023 and with the view to prevent, control and eradicate the scheduled disease, in exercise of the power conferred under the Section 6 and Section 20 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009 (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Act’) the Governor of Meghalaya is pleased to declare the villages of Dalu and Asiragre under Dalu Block in West Garo Hills District as ‘epicenters’ of African Swine Fever disease,” Dr. Manjunatha said in a press statement.
As per the National Action Plan for control, containment and eradication of African Swine Fever published by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, the restrictions as mentioned hereunder are applicable with immediate effect in the villages under 1 (one) kilometre radius surrounding infected premises (epicentre of disease) designated as “Infected Zone” and in all villages falling under 10 KM radius surrounding infected premises (epicentre of disease) designated as “Surveillance Zone”.
During this a restriction in the Infected Zone, restrictions in the Surveillance zone, and Preventive measures in the Free Zone (area outside the surveillance zone).