Pigs die of hog cholera in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 20, 2020

More than 30 pigs have died across the state mainly due to classical swine fever (CSF) or hog cholera. 

“Most of the deaths were due to classical swine fever as per report from the ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research),” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong informed while replying to a call attention moved by Congress legislator from Mawlai PT Sawkmie in the Assembly here on Wednesday. 

He said a total of 30 pigs were reported to have died during the first week up to 15th of May. 

Of this, 9 are from East Khasi Hills, 12 Ri Bhoi, 2 West Khasi Hills, 4 Mairang sub-division, 4 West Jaintia HIlls, 1 East Garo Hills and 1 East Jaintia Hills.

He said immediately post mortem was conducted and samples collected were sent to the ICAR. 

“As per report of ICAR, 13 of 22 samples were tested positive for classical swine fever,” he said. 

Tynsong further confirmed that the cause of death is not due to African Swine Fever (ASF). 

According to him, CSF is different from ASF and is having mortaility rate of 1.4 percent.

“CSF is not deadly disease as vaccine are available for treatment. However, both ASF and CSF do not spread to human beings and therefore, there is no threat to public,” he said.

Tynsong however informed that there is no compensation for such cases except supply of medicine and treatment is being provided free of cost. 

The deputy CM further informed that immediate steps were taken to prevent spread of ASF following reports of unusual death of pigs in neighbouring states including Assam.

He said government has issued order on April 27 to ban import of pigs from outside the state as well as inter-district movement. 

“Both government and private farms were also advised to take strict measures. All veterinary officers were asked to station in the respective blocks to see if there are any suspected cases,” he said, while informing that a total of 139 rapid response teams have been constituted for surveillance measures besides educating farmers about AFS.