Guwahati: An outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Assam’s Kaliabor has dealt a severe blow to a local pig farmer, whose entire livestock was lost to the highly contagious disease.
Lohit Saikia, a resident of Dalgan Borpeta Doloni in Kaliabor, had set up a commercial pig farm with the goal of building a sustainable livelihood. However, the venture suffered a devastating setback after ASF spread through the farm.
Over the past 15 days, nearly 80 pigs, valued at around Rs 20 lakh, died after contracting the disease, according to Saikia. As a preventive measure, the remaining pigs, suspected to be infected, were culled and buried following standard disease-control protocols to prevent further transmission.
The farmer had established the unit with an Rs 8 lakh bank loan. With the loss of his entire stock, he is now struggling with mounting financial pressure and concerns over repaying the loan.
The latest outbreak highlights the continuing impact of African Swine Fever on Assam’s pig farming sector. Veterinary authorities have initiated containment measures, including culling and scientific disposal of infected animals, to limit the spread of the virus.
ASF has emerged as a major challenge for pig farmers across the state, causing repeated livestock losses and affecting livelihoods dependent on pig rearing.