An unknown animal disease has reportedly killed several pigs at Chingjaroi CV and Chingjaroi Khullen in Manipur's Ukhrul district. So far, more than 35 pigs had reportedly died due to the unknown disease. The death rate peaked in the last week of December, sources said.
Speaking to the Imphal Free Press over the phone on Monday , one Azyamah, a local youth who is into rearing pigs lamented that he had lost three-month-old five piglets and a pregnant mother pig about to deliver. He alleged that the Veterinary department failed to provide timely vaccination.
According to locals, the affected pigs initially developed fever and diarrhea. Poor health coupled with absence of food intake further deteriorated their immune system as they refused to eat and died a quick death after a few days.
One Shanvi A Shimray, a resident of Chingjaroi Khullen, told the IFP on Monday that around 10 pigs weighing 30-70 kilos died in his village in December.
This ‘unknown epidemic’ has claimed several chickens, and its spread continues to wreak havoc in the lives of the far flung villagers as the species population has been adversely affected, Shimray said, urging the department concerned to conduct prompt enquiry and take up remedial measures before another such infection spreads.
Chingjaroi is home to around 1000 plus households. This ‘epidemic’ had claimed several chickens last year and the death wave continues to affect the villagers at present, especially in Chingjaroi Khullen.
One Amah T Shimray, a local elder said that pigs which had fallen prey to the disease show two distinct symptoms i.e. diarrheal and fever. In both cases, they refuse to eat and die a quick death.
Maintaining that raring domesticated pig is one of the main sources of income for the locals besides poultry and cattle, Shimray lamented that one livestock lost is a big loss as it not only impacts one's income but gives an adverse impact on children's education as they support their wards with the little benefit they make by selling the domesticated animals.
Certain families had lost both mother pigs and piglets after years of feeding and caring when it should be the time for the owners to sell them, he pointed out.
Several pig owners have incurred many losses due to the outbreak of the unknown disease. According to sources, one piglet costs around Rs 10,000-12,000.
