A confirmed case of African Swine Fever (ASF) has been reported from Luaksim village in the Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh, setting off an urgent containment response by the district veterinary department. The outbreak has raised concerns in a region where pig farming is deeply tied to rural livelihoods and local economies. The detection was confirmed on Wednesday following a positive test result from the National Research Centre on Pig in Rani, Assam. The sample, collected and sent for testing by the Kanubari Mobile Veterinary Unit, was handled under the supervision of Veterinary Officer Dr. Ganno Tayeng.
Reacting swiftly to the confirmed case, District Veterinary Officer (DVO) Dr. Ojuli Moyong declared a 1-kilometre radius around Luaksim village as an infected zone, and an additional 10-kilometre radius beyond it as a surveillance zone, in line with prescribed health protocols for ASF control. As a preventive measure, movement of pigs and piglets in and out of the declared zones has been strictly banned, and the sale or slaughter of pigs within these zones is prohibited until further notice. The veterinary department has also ordered an immediate closure of all pig markets—permanent, temporary, or weekly—within the notified areas.
ASF is a highly contagious and fatal viral disease affecting both domestic and wild pigs. Although it does not affect humans, it has no known cure or vaccine, making rapid containment essential to stop further spread. The virus has proven devastating in many parts of the world, causing massive economic losses, particularly in regions where pig farming is a primary livelihood.“The containment steps are necessary to control transmission and protect the pig-rearing community,” said Dr. Moyong, urging local residents to fully cooperate with the guidelines. Authorities have initiated public awareness campaigns to educate pig farmers and rural households on the symptoms of ASF, which include fever, skin discoloration, and sudden deaths among pigs.
