Northeast

ASF Outbreak: Government urged to curb illegal trade of livestock

The government has been asked to provide compensation to livestock farmers and to be proactive in spreading awareness on animal diseases and measures to prevent it

ByIFP Bureau

Updated 5 Jun 2022, 1:56 pm

ASF claimed 50 pigs in Kamjong district (Photo: IFP)
ASF claimed 50 pigs in Kamjong district (Photo: IFP)

 

In the wake of African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Kamjong district and subsequent deaths of as many as 50 pigs in Sinakeithei village of neighbouring district Ukhrul, the Manipur Progressive Piggery Farmers’ Association has raised several questions regarding measures taken to prevent the spread of the infection and illegal livestock trade.

Speaking to the media on Saturday at the Manipur Press Club, association general secretary Khundrakpam Malemnganba expressed concerns over whether the outbreak is linked with illegal trade of pig and pork products being reportedly carried out with neighbouring Myanmar.

Must Read: Human visitors likely source of African Swine Fever outbreak in Kamjong

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He mounted pressure on the government and its machineries to take stringent measures to curb illegal trade of livestock in the border area.

He further said that the African Swine Fever with 100 per cent mortality rate among pigs is disastrous for the farmers. With no vaccines or treatment available, the farmers will eventually be pushed to a huge economic loss. In such a scenario, the helpless farmers may be compelled to sell the pigs just to get a little income, he said.

Also Read: African Swine Flu outbreak confirmed in Manipur's Kamjong district

Malemngaba drew the attention of the government and authorities concerned to closely monitor and ensure that the infected animals are not sold as meat to prevent further spread of the infection. 

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Besides, slaughterhouses and meat shops should be inspected whether the infected animals are slaughtered and sold, he demanded.

He urged the government to provide compensation to the farmers duly by culling the infected animals and dispose of them by following protocols without further delay.

These measures will be the most effective way to deal with the outbreak for the time being, he stated, adding that failure to do so will only prove to be more disastrous.

Saying that the people of Manipur are less aware of the said infection, he maintained that the government should be proactive in spreading awareness and fill in where farmers’ associations are not able to raise awareness.

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Tags:

asfafrican swine feverpig tradeillegal livestock tradepiggery farmers

IFP Bureau

IFP Bureau

IMPHAL, Manipur

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