The district government of Sonitpur District has issued a prohibitory order to stop the disease from spreading among the swine population in response to the discovery of African Swine Fever (ASF). The goal of the order, which was issued in accordance with Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, is to contain the virus and protect the livestock sector and public health. Based on the Prevention & Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, the directive was issued in response to a request from the Sonitpur District Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Officer.
The farm complex of Nitin, located in No. 4 Gormara Village, next to No. 2 Panipota TE, under Balipara Block, has been recognized as the district’s epicenter of the ASF incidence. When a pig is infected with ASF and euthanasia is the only option to prevent the disease from spreading to other pigs in the area, the Chief Veterinary Officer or another competent officer, if they believe it is appropriate, will issue written instructions for the euthanasia of the animal in the Infected Zone and the carcass to be disposed of in any way to maintain public health and hygiene.
Anyone who places, causes, or authorizes the placement of an animal’s carcass or any portion of an animal’s carcass that was known to be diseased at the time of death in a river, lake, canal, or other body of water is guilty of an offense and faces a jail sentence, a fine, or both.