The Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department, Government of Manipur, has officially confirmed an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in pigs across parts of Kakching and Churachandpur districts, designating these areas as new epicentres of the highly contagious animal disease.
The confirmation follows laboratory reports submitted by the Directorate of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services, which detected ASF-positive samples from multiple locations.
Locations Where ASF Has Been Confirmed
ASF cases were reported at the following sites:
Moirangthem Leikai, Khamlangba Pareng, Kakching (Owner: M. Barunkumar)
Kakching Turel Wangma, Ward No. 5 (Owner: M. Ramananda)
Kangvai Village, Churachandpur (Owner: Khaimuon)
Officials said these confirmed cases indicate active circulation of the ASF virus in both districts, prompting immediate containment measures.
Controlled Zones Declared Under the 2009 Act
Invoking Sections 6 and 20 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, the state government has declared the affected localities and surrounding areas as Controlled Zones.
To break the transmission chain, the Department has delineated:
1. Infected Zone
A 1 km radius around each affected premises, where strict containment and culling protocols may be enforced.
2. Surveillance Zone
A 10 km radius surrounding the infected zone, where movement monitoring, health checks, and intensive surveillance will be carried out.
3. Free Zone
Areas beyond 10 km that remain unaffected but will be kept under watch.
Authorities have stressed that movement of pigs, piglets, pork, feed, or pig-related products from these zones is strictly prohibited. Violations may attract imprisonment or fines under the 2009 Act.
Strict Prohibitions and Public Advisory
The notification warns against the disposal of infected carcasses in rivers, ponds, canals, or any water body, as this poses a major risk for environmental contamination and further spread of the virus.
Instead, carcasses must be disposed of following biosecure protocols recommended under the National Action Plan.
Citizens, pig owners, and farmers in the affected districts have been advised to immediately report unusual pig deaths, maintain strict farm hygiene, and avoid bringing in pigs from outside districts.
Deputy Commissioners and Veterinary Teams Mobilised
Deputy Commissioners of Kakching and Churachandpur, alongside district veterinary officers and law enforcement agencies, have been directed to implement containment measures as per the National Action Plan for African Swine Fever, which includes:
Rapid Response Team activation
Movement restrictions
Disinfection of premises
Farm-to-farm surveillance
Public awareness and farmer advisories
Possible culling in infected premises
Officials have also been advised to maintain constant communication with village authorities to ensure compliance with the protocols.
About African Swine Fever
ASF is a severe viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs, with a high mortality rate. While it poses no risk to humans, its spread can devastate local piggery sectors and livelihoods, making early detection and strict containment crucial.
State Calls for Cooperation
The government has appealed for public cooperation to prevent further spread.
A senior veterinary official said:
“Timely reporting and strict adherence to containment measures are essential. With community support, we can control the outbreak before it spreads further.”