Dimapur | African swine fever (ASF) has been confirmed in three villages in Nagaland’s Kohima district, prompting the district administration to impose restrictions on the movement and sale of pigs and pork products in the affected areas.

The disease was confirmed in Kiruphema Bawe, Chiechama and Nerhema after laboratory test reports received by the office of the Chief Veterinary Officer, Kohima, returned positive, officials said.

Following the confirmation, Kohima Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem on Thursday declared a 1-km radius around the infected premises as an infected zone and a 10-km radius as a surveillance zone. With immediate effect, the order prohibits the import, export and movement of live pigs and pork products within, into or out of the designated zones.

Pork markets and butcher shops operating within the infected and surveillance areas have also been directed to remain closed until further orders. The administration has advised pig farmers to take strict biosecurity measures, including restricting visitors to farms and disinfecting farm premises daily.

Farmers have also been directed to immediately report any unusual illness or deaths among pigs to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services. The administration ordered that carcasses of infected or suspected animals be disposed of through safe burial in accordance with prescribed protocols. Dumping carcasses in water bodies or open areas has been strictly prohibited.

The Deputy Commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing or consuming pork from unknown or unverified sources.

The administration warned that anyone violating the restrictions would face legal action under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, and other applicable laws.

The restrictions have been imposed as authorities step up containment measures to prevent the further spread of African swine fever in and around the affected villages.