Assam authorities cull 55 pigs following swine fever outbreak

Guwahati: Veterinary officials culled 55 pigs in Assam’s Nagaon district on Saturday. African Swine Fever struck a private farm in Halowa village, forcing immediate action to stop the contagion. The virus kills pigs fast. It does not infect humans, but it destroys livelihoods.

District administration officials moved quickly. They declared a one-kilometre radius around the farm an infected zone under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Nagaon Deputy Commissioner Debashish Sarma also established a 10-kilometre surveillance zone. This order bans the sale, transport, and movement of all pigs and pork products until further notice.

The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department confirmed the outbreak at a farm owned by Arabinda Saikia. Teams wiped out the herd to block the spread. "Authorities have urged pig farmers in the district to remain vigilant and report any unusual illness or deaths among pigs without delay," officials stated. Surveillance teams are now patrolling the area to watch for more cases.