Awareness programme on ASF held
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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 5 : The Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry organised a one day State level awareness programme on Classical Swine Fever (CSF) and African Swine Fever at the Veterinary complex at Sanjenthong today.
The programme was held to enhance awareness among farmers, veterinarians and other stakeholders concerned on disease prevention, control and biosecurity to safeguard the pig population of the State.
Addressing the function, N Kheda Varta Singh, Secretary of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, highlighted a common practice where people only inform the Veterinary Department when pig carcasses are found.
He clarified that there is no rule mandating the Veterinary Department to collect carcasses, emphasizing that this responsibility also falls on urban local bodies in municipal areas and the district administration in rural areas.
Kheda urged pig farmers to take precautionary measures to prevent outbreaks of ASF and CSF. Veterinary Director RK Khogendrajit, on the other hand, stated that pig farming is a vital livelihood for thousands of families in the State.
Saying that the department has been monitoring ASF and CSF outbreaks through coordinated efforts at both the State and district levels, he added that the last ASF outbreak was confirmed in October 2023.
He also said that the department has been providing free vaccination against major livestock diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease, CSF, rabies, and others to safeguard animal health and improve their productivity.
However, since no vaccine exists for ASF, the only effective preventive measure is strict biosecurity, which he described as the best tool for controlling the disease, he said.
During the programme, interactive sessions were also held to address farmer concerns and promote better understanding of ASF and CSF control strategies.
The programme concluded by underscoring the importance of biosecurity, rapid response, and inter-departmental coordination in preventing future outbreaks.
All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) president Asem Bhakta also attended the programme.
IMPHAL, Nov 5 : The Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry organised a one day State level awareness programme on Classical Swine Fever (CSF) and African Swine Fever at the Veterinary complex at Sanjenthong today.
The programme was held to enhance awareness among farmers, veterinarians and other stakeholders concerned on disease prevention, control and biosecurity to safeguard the pig population of the State.
Addressing the function, N Kheda Varta Singh, Secretary of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, highlighted a common practice where people only inform the Veterinary Department when pig carcasses are found.
He clarified that there is no rule mandating the Veterinary Department to collect carcasses, emphasizing that this responsibility also falls on urban local bodies in municipal areas and the district administration in rural areas.
Kheda urged pig farmers to take precautionary measures to prevent outbreaks of ASF and CSF. Veterinary Director RK Khogendrajit, on the other hand, stated that pig farming is a vital livelihood for thousands of families in the State.
Saying that the department has been monitoring ASF and CSF outbreaks through coordinated efforts at both the State and district levels, he added that the last ASF outbreak was confirmed in October 2023.
He also said that the department has been providing free vaccination against major livestock diseases such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease, CSF, rabies, and others to safeguard animal health and improve their productivity.
However, since no vaccine exists for ASF, the only effective preventive measure is strict biosecurity, which he described as the best tool for controlling the disease, he said.
During the programme, interactive sessions were also held to address farmer concerns and promote better understanding of ASF and CSF control strategies.
The programme concluded by underscoring the importance of biosecurity, rapid response, and inter-departmental coordination in preventing future outbreaks.
All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) president Asem Bhakta also attended the programme.