A new outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) has been confirmed in Manipur, prompting veterinary authorities to roll out rapid containment measures across affected districts.
The Directorate of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services issued an alert on November 13, identifying confirmed cases in Kakching and Churachandpur districts. The disease was detected at the properties of M. Barunkumar in Moirangthem Leikai Khamlangba Pareng, M. Ramananda in Kakching Turel Wangma (Ward No. 5), and Khaimuon in Kangvai Village.
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs, often resulting in severe economic losses for farmers. Director R.K. Khogendrajit Singh assured the public that the virus is not zoonotic, stressing that “it does not infect humans and therefore poses no risk to public health.”
To contain the outbreak, the department has deployed 60 rapid response teams across all districts, following the National Action Plan for Control, Containment and Eradication of African Swine Fever (2020). The operation is being carried out in coordination with district administrations, forest officials, and village- and block-level authorities.
Under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act (2009), ASF is classified as a notifiable disease, requiring strict containment measures. A control room has been set up at the State Veterinary Hospital in Sanjenthong, which will issue daily updates at 5:30 pm.
Affected farmers can contact the Joint Director for Kakching and Thoubal districts at 7085545721, and the Joint Director for Churachandpur district at 9436031052. Logistics for eradication efforts have already been dispatched to the respective districts.
Director Singh has banned the movement of pigs, pig feed, and any related materials from infected and surveillance zones, which will be formally notified by district authorities. The disposal of pig carcasses or remains in water bodies, fields, or roadsides has also been strictly prohibited.
Urging residents to cooperate with ongoing containment efforts, Singh reiterated that while the outbreak is serious, there is “no need to panic” as ASF does not pose any threat to humans.
