Agartala, April 24 (Agency)
The State Animal Resource Development Department killed 165 pigs in Tripura’s Sepahijala district following a case of ‘African Swine Fever’ (ASF) at Government Debipur Farm and adjoining areas. An official gave this information. After confirmation of ASF in pigs at Debipur Farm and on the instructions of the Centre, the campaign to eliminate these animals started on Saturday.
ARD director DK Chakma said, 121 pigs and their young were killed at Debipur farm on Saturday, while 44 pigs were killed in areas falling within a kilometer radius. He said the operation is expected to be completed by Sunday in the presence of veterinary officials.
At least 27 pigs had mysteriously died at the Debipur farm since April 13, following which the blood samples were sent by the department to Guwahati for ASF testing. Recently, North Eastern Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (NERDDL), Guwahati has confirmed ASF in sent samples. Chakma said that as a precautionary measure, an alert has been issued across the state to prevent the movement of pigs and their young from one place to another. However, he clarified that pork is suitable for human consumption after being properly boiled because it is African swine fever (ASF), not African swine flu.
