An outbreak of the African Swine Fever in Phuentshogling has killed more than 40 pigs in the past few weeks. According to officials, it is the first time the highly contagious viral disease is being reported in the country. Livestock officials detected the outbreak after three stray pigs were found dead near the Phuentshogling-Jaigaon border area three weeks ago. Samples collected from the dead animals were sent for an RT-PCR test. It tested positive for the African Swine Fever. However, the virus is not a threat to humans.
“The African swine fever doesn’t have a treatment yet. So in order to contain the disease and stop spreading, we have put in place various measures strictly. There are high chances that the stray dogs and birds feed on dead remains of the pigs and spread them in neighbouring farms and wild pigs,” said Chendu Dorji, Sr. Veterinary Officer at the Regional Livestock Development Centre in Tsimasham under Chhukha.
Thromde officials say there are nearly 60 stray pigs in the town. Currently, the officials are monitoring the outbreak spot. Farm owners in the region were also sensitised regarding the outbreak.
“The African swine fever is not zoonotic. There is no case of human infection across the globe. But we are worried that humans and other animals may carry the virus to other areas,”
In Asia, the African swine fever was first detected in China in 2018. There was an outbreak in the Indian states of Assam, West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh in May last year.
Sonam Penjor, Phuentshogling
