Reported by Laxman Sharma
Digboi: A major outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Upper Assam has prompted swift veterinary and administrative action after Ouguri village under Rupai Siding in Doomdooma Development Block of Tinsukia district was identified as the infection hotspot.
Following official confirmation, authorities have initiated strict containment protocols, including large-scale culling of pigs and a complete ban on pork trade in the affected region. The measures have been implemented under the National Action Plan for Control, Containment and Eradication of ASF, as per an order issued by the District Commissioner (Revenue & Disaster Management), Tinsukia on June 8.
The District Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department has confirmed Ouguri village as the focal point of the outbreak, leading to the establishment of a controlled biosecurity perimeter. A one-kilometre radius has been declared an infected zone where culling and sanitation work is underway, while a 10-kilometre surveillance zone has been placed under close monitoring to track any possible spread.
As part of the containment strategy, a time-bound culling exercise has been scheduled from June 9 to June 11. Veterinary teams are supervising operations on the ground, with mandatory oversight by senior officials or authorised personnel to ensure compliance with established protocols.
Authorities have also stressed strict adherence to disposal, disinfection and sanitation guidelines, citing the highly contagious nature of ASF and its potential impact on the local pig-rearing economy.
In a parallel move, the district administration has enforced a 30-day suspension on all pork related commercial activity across Doomdooma Co-District. This includes closure of pork shops and a complete prohibition on the transport and sale of pigs and pork products, extending even to inter-district movement and routes connecting neighboring Arunachal Pradesh.
Markets and retail outlets dealing in pork have also been directed to remain shut until further notice, effectively halting supply chains in the region as part of emergency containment efforts.
Officials have clarified that while ASF does not affect humans, it can cause severe losses in pig populations, making rapid containment essential to protect livelihoods.
The order has been issued under provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, with authorities warning that violations will invite legal action under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Departments involved have been instructed to maintain detailed records of all containment activities, including culling and sanitation operations.
Surveillance has been intensified in both affected and adjoining areas to detect any new cases at an early stage. The situation continues to be closely monitored as officials aim to prevent further spread across the wider pig-rearing regions of Upper Assam.