Swine fever: Manipur bans pig import from outside state, Myanmar

Imphal: Manipur government on Thursday banned the import of pigs and piglets from other states and neighbouring countries, especially Myanmar, to curb the infection suspected to be ‘African swine fever’ with immediate effect.

The state government also imposed ban on consumption of pork brought from other states and neighbouring Myanmar as precautionary measure against the highly contagious disease.

The order comes following reports of high mortality of pigs in neighbouring states, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

As per reports, a total number of over 2,000 pigs have died in Assam alone, so far the highest in the Northeast India.

No live pigs or pork will be allowed to be brought into the state, informed commissioner of veterinary & animal and husbandry department H Gyan Prakash in a statement issued on Thursday.

As per the notification, the order was issued in pursuance of the directive of the ministry of fisheries, animal husbandry & dairying, department of agriculture husbandry & dairying, government of India following the report of high mortality rates of pigs in neighbouring states.

To avoid any further health complications, people have also been advised to consume properly cooked pork (above 70 degrees Celsius for at least 20 minutes) to be considered safe to eat.

Since Manipur is also known for its high consumption of pork and with government advising piggery owners to refrain from bringing pigs from other states, pork is likely to become dearer due to shortage of supply.