Agartala, December 29, 2025: African Swine Fever has been detected in pigs found dead under abnormal circumstances at the Regional Exotic Pig Breeding Centre in Nalakata, Dhalai district, prompting the Tripura Animal Resources Development Department to declare Nalakata as the epicenter of the outbreak and issue strict containment measures. Villages within one kilometre of the epicenter have been designated as the “infected zone,” while those within ten kilometres have been declared as the “surveillance zone.”

In the infected zone, all pigs will be culled either by burial or burning, and no live pigs, pig feed, or pork products may be transported in or out of the area. Vehicles carrying pigs or pig products are prohibited from entering or leaving, though transit through the zone is permitted with a sanitation certificate issued by the competent authority. Suspected ASF-infected pigs, whether alive or dead, must not be moved elsewhere, and items in contact with infected pigs—including feed, housing materials, carcasses, or hides—cannot be transported. Livestock markets, fairs, or exhibitions involving multiple animals are banned in the infected zone, though veterinarians may grant exceptions for non-pig animals if deemed necessary in public interest. Suspected or infected animals must not be brought to public gatherings, and local authorities including municipal, panchayat, rural development, revenue, and agriculture officials are required to assist veterinarians in enforcing these measures. Disposal of infected carcasses or body parts in rivers, streams, or water bodies will be treated as an offense under the Animal Disease Control Act, 2009, punishable by imprisonment, fines, or both, and officials of the Animal Resources Development Department will be considered government employees while discharging these duties under the Act.

In the surveillance zone, all restrictions applicable to the infected zone will also be enforced, except the penalty clause for carcass disposal. Animals in this zone will be kept under strict monitoring, including clinical, virological, and serological surveillance, and pigs located near forest areas will be subject to heightened monitoring in consultation with forest officials.