Unusual mortality in piglets at Rinchenpong, sale of piglets banned in parts of West Sikkim

GANGTOK, 14 June: Soon after the distribution of piglets to beneficiaries of Rinchenpong constituency, unusual mortality in piglets has been observed, informs a press release issued by AHLF and VS Department, Joint Director, West district, Dr DS Tewari.
On the direction of the District authority, the Deputy Director/ field veterinarian from Dentam Veterinary Hospital visited the outbreak area and initiated treatment of all the sick piglets. Despite undergoing the course of antibiotics and life saving drugs, the response was very poor and mortality was observed within a short span of time, the release informs. Blood samples have been sent by Dr. S Pradhan to the State Disease Investigation Laboratory at Gangtok and the results are awaited.
As such, the symptoms point towards “swine fever” or “Viral disease of pigs” and now para-veterinarians and veterinarians have been directed to avoid contamination and infection by controlling movement of people from infected to non-infected areas, the release mentions.
Sale and purchase of piglets has to be avoided and the same has been banned at Reshi Bazaar, Soreng Bazar, Monglay, Rinchenpong, Martam, Dentam and Legship. Disinfection of pig sties, and local areas is going on and para-veterinarians are suggested to remain and work only in infected zones.
As soon as the swine fever vaccine is procured, ring vaccination will be executed in various areas. Since the disease spreads easily, vaccination will be done within 100 metres of the radius of the infected zone.
Thakuthang, Jusingthang, Manglay farm and Gangyap across the river will be covered by Soreng Veterinary Hospital. Reshi towards Hathi Dunga will be covered by Reshi Veterinary Dispensary while Rinchenpong, Tadong will be covered by Dentam Veterinary Hospital.
Such kind of mortality in piglets has been observed quite often and can be accrued to the absence of quarantine in check post areas which should be made mandatory, the release adds.
To address this serious problem land and infrastructure is required at Rambang- Check post for West Sikkim. Along with this during procurement and examination of blood serum, lymph and other parameters to identify and diagnose the disease in incubation period are needed, the release further adds.