Suspected African Swine Fever Outbreak in Merapani Prompts Total Ban on Pig Trade as Authorities Race to Contain Crisis

A cloud of uncertainty has fallen over Merapani, Nagaland, after authorities moved swiftly to impose an indefinite ban on the slaughter, import, and export of pigs following suspicions of an African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak. The drastic order was handed down by Additional Deputy Commissioner Longasen Lotha after the Merapani Village Council and local veterinary experts reported unusual pig deaths that bore the alarming signs of ASF, a highly contagious animal disease capable of wiping out pig populations with near-total mortality rates.

The clampdown, which took immediate effect, suspends all transportation of pigs and pork products in and out of the area, a move authorities believe is crucial to stopping the virus from spreading further. Farmers, traders, and local residents have been urged to follow strict biosecurity protocols, including avoiding unnecessary movement of livestock and reporting sudden pig deaths. Although ASF poses no risk to human health, its economic impact is devastating, often forcing farmers into severe financial hardship when outbreaks trigger mass culling and trade shutdowns.

Officials say the restrictions will remain until veterinary teams complete laboratory testing and confirm whether ASF is indeed present in Merapani. Meanwhile, the government is intensifying surveillance and urging the public not to take chances with a disease that has already caused havoc in several Indian states in recent years. For many in Merapani, the ban has sparked fears of mounting losses and food insecurity, as pork remains a major source of income and nutrition in the region.

Authorities stress that vigilance is now critical, warning that even the smallest lapse in containment could spread the virus across Nagaland and beyond. With livelihoods hanging in the balance, the community is bracing for what could become one of the most challenging battles against animal disease in recent times.