SHILLONG:
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister AL Hek has said that the African Swine Flu (ASF) is confined to only a few pockets and is yet to spread across the state, and hinted that it is still safe to consume pork.
In an interview on May 5, Hek said that ever since ASF was detected in Garo Hills, the department had taken several steps to prevent the virus from spreading to other places.
He informed that as and when ASF is detected, the respective village(s) is contained and domestic animals are not allowed to leave nor enter the village(s).
“ASF has been contained in Garo Hills but in East Khasi Hills, ASF was detected in three villages; immediately, the department sent its team to assess and monitor the situation, to prevent the virus from spreading,” Hek said.
He further added that as of now, the department will first assess the situation and if the virus is found to have spread to other locations, the government will then take other measures.
“At present, the ASF is yet to spread across the state. The department is following up on this matter, as was done in Garo Hills,” the minister added.
When asked whether it was safe to consume pork at this juncture, Hek said, “I will not say whether it is safe or not to consume pork but we have to understand that the virus is confined to only certain places.”
As of May 4, the test results for African Swine Flu conducted by the Animal Health Centre, NERDDL, in Khanapara has shown positive results from different farms in Pynursla, Nongkasen, Umsawniang, and Ri Bhoi district. Till date 40 pigs have died due to the disease in Ri Bhoi, putting pork eaters at risk.
But so far, the State’s Animal Husbandry & Veterinary department is yet to issue any advisory or warning against pork consumption.
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