The Assamese government has issued a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that regulates the movement of live pigs both inside and beyond the state in an effort to stop the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF). The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department released the instructions with the intention of preserving Assam’s pig population and the means of subsistence for individuals who depend on the livestock industry. The SOP states that any shipment of live pigs must now be accompanied by thorough paperwork, such as a valid purchase bill, GST challan, E-way bill, and a health certificate from a laboratory approved by the Government of India confirming the animals are ASF-free.
A government veterinary officer must also personally certify each pig, attesting to its identity, immunization record, and place of origin from ASF-free areas. The validity of this certificate cannot exceed seven days. At important interstate checkpoints including Srirampur (Kokrajhar), Boxirhat (Dhubri), Byrnihat (Kamrup Metro), and Amguri (Sivasagar), veterinary inspection teams will be positioned to guarantee compliance. These teams will physically evaluate the animals in addition to reviewing the documentation.
Additionally, fast detection kits will be used to randomly test for ASF in at least 2% of the pigs in each shipment. Pigs found infected in Assam will be quarantined, tested, and culled without compensation. Transporters or traders must bear costs. The SOP prohibits nighttime transportation, unscheduled unloading, train stopovers, and waste disposal. Transport vehicles must undergo sanitization, and non-compliance may lead to blacklisting and legal proceedings.