Swine Fever outbreak confirmed, vets begin vaccination drive in Rinchenpong

GANGTOK, 24 June: ‘Swine fever’ has been confirmed as the cause of high mortality in pigs in Rinchenpong, West Sikkim. According to a press release issued by Joint Director, Animal Husbandry department [West], Dr DS Tewari, results of three blood samples sent to RDDL Khanapara, Assam, confirm that it is swine fever. In order to tackle the disease, the department is starting swine fever vaccination in Rinchenpong constituency. 
In the first phase, villages in the constituency have been identified and divided into different categories for the purpose of vaccination.
Upper Hathi Dhunga, Zeel and Lower Hathi Dhunga/12 Mile have been categorized as the Infected Zone while Lower and Upper Sangadorjee and Lower Zeel and Tapel have been identified as Hazardous Zone. Lower Takuthang, Bompool Reshi Bazaar and Chunbhatti fall under area beyond 100 meters of focal area of infection where vaccination in going on.
This area is under the care of Manglay Livestock farm under Deputy Director, Dr Narad Cintury. Gangyap, Under Siribadam Samdong GPU including Soreng Basti and Singling will be under the care of Sub divisional Veterinary Hospital Soreng headed by Dr Seema Rai, V.O Soreng.
While, Meggi Dara, Gumba and Upper Sangadorjee are under Veterinary Hospital Dentam headed by Deputy Director, Dr S. Pradhan.
As such this disease is highly infectious and mainly attacks piglets up to six months old, adult pigs are slightly more resistant. Initially the sick animal shows symptoms of hyperthermia followed by lachrymal discharge, gummy eyes, staggering gaits, diarrhea followed by constipation, finally leading to death has been observed.
Besides, the department’s para-veterinarian has also covered nearly 200 pig sties where disinfection and fumigation was conducted. District Collector, West has directed BDO, BAC Kaluk to impose temporary ban on the sale of piglets/pigs in all the nearby markets, the release mentions.
A team of veterinarian from the head quarter will also be visiting the infected area on 24 June. It is suggested that veterinarians at Melli, Rangpo, Rambang and Reshi check posts prohibit the entry of piglets for at least two months, the release adds.
So far, vaccination has been conducted by Dentam team at Meggi dara, Gumpa and Upper Sangadorjee [35 nos], by Soreng team at Siribadam, Soreng basti and Singling [75 nos] and by Manglay team at L Thakuthang, Bompool, Reshi Bazaar and Chunbhatti [35 nos].