Following outbreak of swine fever in some districts of Assam, the state government on Saturday announced a ban on the distribution and sale of pork meat in the state.
Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday held a meeting with the top officials and scientists of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department at Brahmaputra State Guest House to discuss the outbreak of swine fever.
The chief minister directed the animal husbandry and veterinary department to conduct inquiry into the swine fever cases in the state and take remedial measures at the earliest in the greater interest of farmers engaged in the piggery sector.
Assam agriculture minister Atul Bora, legal adviser to the chief minister Shantanu Bharali, chief secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna, principal secretary of animal husbandry & veterinary department Rajesh Prasad, scientists and top officials of the animal husbandry & veterinary department were present in the meeting.
Agriculture minister Bora said the sale and distribution of pork will remain prohibited in the state till further notice.
North East Progressive Pig Farmers’ Association (NEPPFA) during a press conference on April 21 clarified the misconceptions about the difference between swine flu (H1N1) and classical swine fever.
The NEPPFA said while the H1N1 flu is a viral disease that attacks humans as well, the classical swine fever does not attack humans even though it is viral.
Classical swine fever is a seasonal flu and pigs can be vaccinated from its infection.
The Association said the viral fever that has killed many pigs in various districts of Assam is believed to be the classical swine fever.