15 pigs die due to classical swine fever in Meghalaya

    21-May-2020
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Newmai News Network
Shillong, May 20: A total of 30 pigs died in Meghalaya in the first half of the month of May, the Legislative Assembly was informed on Wednesday during the first day of the re-assembled assembly session.
Replying to a call-attention-motion, Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong informed, “The samples of the dead pigs were sent to ICAR Umiam and the reports attributed the mortalities to Classical Swine Fever.”
Tynsong informed the House that Classical Swine Fever is not a deadly disease and the mortality rate was only 1.4 percent and that a vaccine for the illness is available.
“It does not spread to human beings and therefore there is no threat to humans,” the Deputy Chief Minister, who is in-charge Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department said.
Tynsong then said that the disease spreads among pigs and its symptoms are high fever, loss of appetite and discoloration of eyes, thighs and other parts of the body.
The district wise break-up of the mortality of pigs is – East Khasi Hills 9, Ri-Bhoi 12, West Khasi Hills 2, Mairang Sub Division 4, West Jaintia Hills 1, East Garo Hills 1 and East Jaintia Hills 1. Meanwhile, initiating the discussion, Congress legislator from Mawlai, Process T Sawkmie said that many pigs have died under his constituency. According to him, in Mawlai Kynton Massar area only seven pigs died.
Sawkmie then urged the government to compensate those piggery owners whose animals have died, since after the lockdown on account of Covid-19, they have lost their livelihood and now the pigs they reared have died.
“It could be either in cash or piglets,” the Mawlai MLA said.