Chozuba ADC imposes ban on pigs

The Additional Deputy Commissioner of Chozuba Sub-Division, Zapuno Khatso, has swiftly imposed a comprehensive ban on the movement, slaughter, and trade of pigs and piglets, effective May 27, 2026. This decisive action comes as African Swine Fever (ASF) rips through parts of Nagaland, threatening the state's vital pig farming industry and the livelihoods of thousands of rural families. The order, which remains in force indefinitely, aims to ring-fence the outbreak within Phek district and prevent further devastation. This immediate containment strategy underscores the severity of the ASF resurgence across Northeast India, a region still reeling from prior waves that decimated pig populations and inflicted heavy economic losses. Nagaland pig farming sector is a cornerstone of its rural economy, providing both protein and income, making unchecked viral spread an existential threat. Authorities are keenly aware of the virus's highly contagious nature and the absence of a vaccine, forcing reliance on stringent bio-security and movement restrictions as the only viable defense against this devastating disease. Local vigilance, with citizens urged to report unusual pig deaths, is now paramount as officials race to map the extent of the outbreak. The success of Chozuba's ban will hinge on strict enforcement and community cooperation, offering a crucial test case for broader containment efforts across Nagaland. Failure to halt the spread could trigger cascading economic hardship, pushing the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services to consider more drastic measures in the coming weeks, potentially impacting the entire regional livestock sector.