Nagaland steps up measures to contain ASF; sale of pork prohibited in several districts

Following the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in various parts of the state, the Nagaland government has intensified surveillance and containment measures, while several districts have imposed bans and restrictions on the import, transport and sale of pigs and pork products to prevent the spread of the disease.

The Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services is closely monitoring the situation through district veterinary officers and field workers who are actively involved in surveillance, detention, awareness campaigns, sampling and implementation of biosecurity measures to prevent further spread of ASF, an official statement in Kohima said.

On Monday (May 18, 2026), the administration imposed a temporary ban on the sale of pork in the entire district and banned the import, export and transport of live pigs until further notice. In Dimapur district, authorities have identified infected and surveillance zones after ASF positive cases were confirmed in pigs in Signal Angami village. Movement, slaughter and transport of pigs, pork and related products are restricted in the affected areas.

In Medziphema sub-division of Chumoukedima district, the slaughter and sale of pigs and pork has been regulated with prior authorization being mandatory before any commercial slaughter or sale. Mokokchung district authorities have also advised the public to avoid buying and consuming pork in the affected areas under Tuli division, where ASF outbreaks have been confirmed in Chungtia and Kangtsungyimsen villages and Shitikolak district of Tuli town.

Restrictions and bans related to the import and transport of pigs have also been imposed in parts of Peren and Niuland counties due to ASF concerns. Pork shops in several parts, including Kohima, remained closed on Saturday (May 23, 2026) following the restrictions.

Pork is one of the most popular delicacies in Nagaland and forms an essential part of daily meals and traditional cuisine across communities in the state. The ASF outbreak and resulting restrictions are therefore expected to have a significant impact on local consumption patterns, markets and the livelihoods of thousands of pig farmers and traders dependent on the pork economy.

The directorate clarified that ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs, but does not infect humans and is not a public health concern. However, she warned that the disease can cause serious economic losses to pig farmers and therefore requires immediate reporting and strict preventive measures.

The directorate appealed for public cooperation and called on pig farmers, traders, transporters, municipal councils, colony authorities and citizens to give it their full support during the ongoing crisis. The advisory directed the public to immediately report any sudden illness or death of pigs to the nearest veterinary institution or authority. He also warned against the unauthorized movement, sale or transport of pigs and pork products from the affected areas.

Farmers and pig farmers were further advised to follow strict farm hygiene and biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of transmission. The directorate also ordered the public not to throw dead pigs into rivers, streams, forests or public spaces, warning that improper disposal could worsen the outbreak.

The directorate additionally appealed to the public to avoid panic and refrain from spreading unverified information related to ASF.

She appreciated the prompt support provided by the district administrations and appreciated the efforts of the Senior Veterinary Officers, Veterinary Doctors, Veterinary Field Assistants and Mobile Veterinary Units working tirelessly on the ground to control the outbreak.

The directorate also requested that only verified information issued by it be disseminated to avoid misinformation and unnecessary panic among citizens.

The directorate reaffirmed its commitment to protect the livestock sector and said it would continue scientific and administrative interventions to protect the livelihood of pig farmers across Nagaland.

Published – 23 May 2026 12:29 IST