An outbreak of African Swine Fever has been confirmed in Lungsilsa Chiwog’s Daragaon village in Lhamoi Dzingkha Dungkhag, Dagana. According to livestock officials, six pigs including five improved breeds and a local pig died due to the viral disease. The investigation was done over the weekend.
The livestock officials have provided the piggery farm owners with disinfectant and Personal Protective Equipment. A team from Gelephu Veterinary Hospital will visit the area to plan forward.
Livestock officials added that the first suspected case was reported on 31st January and biosecurity measures were put in place. But the sample tested negative a week later and the measures were relaxed.
The highly contagious disease is spread through contact between pigs, contaminated pig products, feeding pigs with kitchen wastes contaminated with pork products, and the movement of contaminated personnel and farm equipment.
Meanwhile, Bhutan Food and Drug Authority has imposed a fine of more than Nu 1.8 M to individuals and entities for the illegal import of live pigs and pork so far.
Tshering Zam
