Barpeta (Assam), 17 May (HS): There is an atmosphere of panic in Gahiya village of Barpeta district of Assam due to the spread of African Swine Fever (MSF). This deadly disease has been confirmed in the pig farm of village resident Sanatan Bodo, due to which about 51 pigs have killed.

A team of experts from Guwahati along with the team of Barpeta District Veterinary Department has reached the village to prevent the infection of MSF. The department has started the process of burying the affected and dead pigs in the farm premises itself.

According to the information, two sons of Sanatan Bodo started this pig farming farm about two years ago. But recently the pigs of the farm fell prey to this deadly disease.

After confirmation of the disease, the District Magistrate of Barpeta has imposed strict restrictions under the Assam Epidemic Diseases Act 2023. Any kind of MSF-related activities—such as sale of pigs and their offspring, sale and transport of pork and other products—have been completely banned in the district.

Along with this, gathering of more than four to five people within a radius of one kilometer of the infected area has also been banned.

According to the veterinary department, there is no other pig farm within a radius of one kilometer of Sanatan Bodo’s farm, which will help in preventing the spread of the infection. The department said that necessary steps are being taken to prevent the infection from spreading outside the farm.

Government officials have also informed that the process of providing proper compensation to the farm owner is underway.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash