Dibrugarh (Assam), 25 October (HS): The Dibrugarh district administration has imposed an indefinite ban on the sale of pork and pork-related products in Moran Revenue Circle after 10 tissue samples collected from local markets tested positive for African Swine Fever (ASF).

The restriction was announced through an order issued by the Dibrugarh District Commissioner on Sunday following a report submitted by the District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer. The samples, collected from different daily and weekly markets in the area, were confirmed positive for ASF by the North Eastern Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (NERDDL) in Guwahati.

As part of the containment measures, all shops dealing in pork and related products have been directed to remain closed until further orders. The administration has also prohibited the transportation of pigs and pork-related products to and from other districts.

African Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease that affects pigs. The restrictions have been introduced as a preventive measure to limit the spread of the infection in the affected area.

The district administration has warned that anyone violating the order may face prosecution under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with disobedience of orders lawfully issued by public servants.

The order has been issued under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the Assam government's action plan for preparedness, control and containment of African Swine Fever.

The concerned departments and officials have been instructed to ensure strict enforcement of the restrictions and launch awareness campaigns to inform the public about the preventive measures. The ban will remain in force until further notice from the district administration.-------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash