Pig carcasses found dumped in Wokha trigger panic amid African Swine Fever concerns

Wokha (Nagaland) [India], June 4 (HBTV): Panic gripped residents of Wokha after several pig carcasses were found dumped in Airfield Colony, raising concerns amid ongoing restrictions on pork following outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Nagaland.

Amid fears of rising ASF cases, approximately five dead pigs, including one found stuffed inside a bag, were discovered at separate locations in Airfield Colony on Wednesday, prompting the Wokha Town Council (WTC) to launch an investigation. Four carcasses were found near a culvert, while another was recovered elsewhere. Authorities suspect the animals were disposed of without following prescribed protocols.

The WTC strongly condemned the act, warning that improper disposal of carcasses could accelerate the spread of ASF. WTC Chairman Myingthungo Kikon described the incident as 'concerning and disheartening', noting that awareness campaigns on ASF prevention and proper disposal methods had already been conducted.

He said preliminary findings suggest that the carcasses were unlikely to have originated from household piggery units and may instead have come from imported pigs at local slaughterhouses.

The council has previously conducted surveys and inspections of slaughterhouses, including verification of pig inventories, as part of its ASF monitoring efforts.

The WTC has initiated an investigation and urged the person responsible to come forward within two days, warning that strict action, including cancellation of trade permits, would be taken against those found guilty of illegal disposal.

Airfield Colony Council Chairman Vincent Shitiri also condemned the incident, describing it as a serious public health concern that undermines community and government efforts to contain ASF.

Meanwhile, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon Yanben Kikon said post-mortem examinations had been conducted and samples sent to Kohima before being forwarded to Guwahati for laboratory testing to determine the cause of death.

He cautioned that both African Swine Fever and Classical Swine Fever can spread rapidly if carcasses are not disposed of properly. He noted that the ASF virus can survive in water for 60 to 90 days and in soil for 30 to 40 days.

Kikon advised that infected carcasses should be disposed of through deep burial or incineration, along with the use of appropriate disinfectants. He urged strict adherence to disposal protocols to prevent further spread of the disease.  

(Nagaland Post)