Dispur: Amid the surge in the number of African Swine Fever in Assam, the authorities have completely banned the sale, purchase, transportation, and consumption in seven districts, which are most affected in the state, Krishnendu Paul, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Assam, said while speaking to reporters on Sunday.

He added that the pigs that are being brought to Srirampur Gate, the entry point of Assam, and the rest of the North East will be thoroughly checked. The minister further said that tests will be conducted on all these pigs, and if they test positive for the virus, these animals will be culled.

‘Will keep a tap on each vehicle carrying pigs’

"Srirampur gate has been put under high alert. We will keep a tap on each vehicle carrying pigs. These vehicles will be stopped, and tests will be conducted on each of these pigs. We will have no option but go for culling of pigs that are found to carry the virus,” the minister said at a press conference.

All SOPs must be followed: Minister

He added, "A team from Delhi headed by Dr. Vijay Kumar Teotia (Joint Commissioner, Government of India) and Dr Malay Das (Livestock Officer, Government of India) has come to Assam to assess the situation. They are currently assessing the total loss and are studying the biosecurity measures that need to be taken to prevent the spread of the virus further. They have issued certain guidelines that the state must follow. I request district administrations to follow the SOPs to control the spread of the virus”.

Pigs will not be allowed to be carried by train. Anyone travelling to any Northeast state through Srirampur will face checks. Culling on pigs that were recently caught from two vehicles and are having the virus has started today.”