Shillong, Jun 3: The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department has confirmed the outbreak of African Swine Fever across Meghalaya.

According to a notification issued by the department, cases of the swine flu have been detected in East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, and Eastern West Khasi Hills.

In East Khasi Hills, African Swine Fever cases have been confirmed in Urksew Wahpathaw and Mawkajem (under Pynursla Block). Also, swine flu cases have been confirmed in Mawlai Mawkynroh and Mawlai Umrynjah (under Mawlai Block).

In West Khasi Hills, swine flu cases were confirmed in Nongkasen and Wahliewlong (under Nongstoin Block).

In Ri-Bhoi, cases of African Swine Fever were confirmed in Kyrdemkulai, Lum Umpih, Nongthymmai Umsning, Umsning Proper-B, Lum Nongrim, Rongpharkong, Umïarong, Unshorshor, and Umsaitsniang Nongpdeng (under Umsning Block). Also, confirmed cases have been detected in Mawkyrdep, Nongthymmai  Kyrdem, Syllei-U-Lar, Umroi Madan, and Laban Saro (under Bhoirymbong Block).

In Eastern West Khasi Hills, African Swine Flu cases have been confirmed in Mawphanïew village (under Mairang Block).

Stringent measures have been imposed to stop the spread of the disease. These include a complete ban on the slaughter of pigs and the sale of pork and pork products within the infected zones. Pig markets and slaughter houses in these areas have been asked to remain  closed till further order.

Movement of pigs, pig feed, tools and farm equipments have been prohibited. Access to the infected premises has been restricted and all vehicles leaving the infected zones have to undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection.

The department has also ordered that carcasses of infected pigs must be buried deep underground with adequate lime cover. Any person found dumping  dead pigs in rivers, lakes, canals or other water bodies would be dealt with firmly as per law.

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