Govt awaits report on death of 15 pigs in WJH: Tynsong

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 3, 2020

Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Prestone Tynsong on Monday informed that report related to the death of over 15 pigs in West Jaintia Hills District is awaited.

According to him, people from the area have also been advised to stop slaughtering and consumption of pork.

After a review meeting, Tynsong told reporters that a report was received from the West Jaintia HIlls district veterinary officer that about 15 pigs have died at Lamin village under Amlarem Civil Sub-Division due to suspected African Swine Fever (ASF). 

“A team led by the district veterinary officer had gone to the spot and collected samples of 6 pigs. These samples were sent to the North Eastern Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Khanapara, Guwahati and report is still awaited,” he informed. 

“However, the report will have to first go to the government of India and once accepted, notification will come out to the state government. Therefore, till this moment we cannot say whether these pigs were infected with ASF or not,” he said.

The deputy chief minister further informed that necessary measures are already in place to prevent the spread of the disease. 

These include disinfection of pig sheds along with injections, meetings and seminars were also held with rangbah shnongs and farmers highlighting the threat of the disease.

“We have advised those people staying near by this village not to slaughter or consume pigs till we get confirmation from the government of India,” Tynsong stated.