Arunachal Pradesh Fights Swine Fever and Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Arunachal Pradesh is on high alert, with officials issuing urgent advisories to farmers to combat potential outbreaks of African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease. These measures aim to protect livestock and safeguard the livelihoods of those in the agricultural sector.
Disease Prevention Measures
Gabriel D Wangsu, the Agri & Allied Minister, has advised farmers across the state, acting on forecasts from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology (ICAR-NIVEDI). The National Animal Disease Referral Expert System (NADRES v2) has identified specific districts at high risk.
The Papum Pare district faces a “very high risk” of African swine fever (ASF). Farmers are advised to implement strict biosecurity measures, including controlling farm access and disinfecting all equipment. Feeding pigs swill or kitchen waste is strictly prohibited.
“Strict biosecurity measures are the most effective way to prevent and control the disease.”
—Gabriel D Wangsu, Agri & Allied Minister
West Siang district is under threat from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The advisory calls for immediate vaccination campaigns for cattle and cloven-hoofed animals. Ring vaccination within an 8-kilometer radius of any suspected cases is planned. According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, FMD outbreaks can lead to significant economic losses in affected regions, often impacting international trade and farmer incomes (World Organisation for Animal Health).
Detailed Guidelines
The advisory details the need for livestock movement controls during outbreaks, along with quarantine protocols for new animals. Regular monitoring systems are essential, and any unusual pig mortality must be reported immediately to veterinary authorities.
Animals aged four months and older should get biannual vaccinations to maintain immunity. Infected animals must be isolated immediately, and any feed or fodder that has come into contact with them must be discarded.
Minister Wangsu emphasized the importance of these precautions, citing past losses due to minor negligence in disease prevention. The focus remains on preventing outbreaks, which is more cost-effective than managing widespread issues.
