Guwahati: The Assam government has taken swift action to curb the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) by imposing an immediate ban on pork sales and restricting the inter-district transport of live pigs in seven hard-hit districts. The measure comes as veterinary authorities report a sharp escalation in ASF cases, threatening both animal health and the livelihoods of pig farmers across the state.
The seven districts most affected by the outbreak are Dhemaji, Kamrup, Lakhimpur, Sivasagar, Darrang, Jorhat, and Dibrugarh. According to the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, 297 ASF hotspots have been identified this year, with 84 new epicentres emerging in October alone. The virus, first detected in Assam in 2020, has proven particularly devastating, leading to the death of over 3,000 pigs and the culling of approximately 14,500 animals to prevent further spread.
ASF, a viral disease with nearly 100% mortality among infected pigs, is non-transmissible to humans but can wreak havoc on the piggery sector, which forms a critical part of Assam’s livestock economy. The state’s 20th livestock census in 2019 recorded nearly 21 lakh pigs, highlighting the significant number of farmers and households dependent on pig rearing for income and sustenance.
In addition to the ban on pork sales, the government has strictly prohibited the movement of live pigs between districts under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009. Veterinary officials are actively monitoring the situation, carrying out culling operations where necessary, and educating farmers on preventive measures to contain the outbreak.
The sudden surge in ASF has sent ripples of concern across rural communities, where many small-scale farmers rely on pig rearing as a primary source of livelihood. Local authorities are emphasizing that the restrictions are temporary and are aimed at preventing a wider catastrophe that could affect both economic stability and food security in the region.
ASF’s rapid spread and the government’s decisive measures underscore the urgent need for vigilant animal health management, community awareness, and strict adherence to biosecurity protocols. For Assam’s pig farmers, these steps may be harsh but are essential to safeguard the long-term future of the state’s piggery industry.