Animal Husbandry & Veterinary department organised Sensitization Workshop on African Swine Fever at Secretariat Conference Hall, Mizoram New Capital Complex, Aizawl today, where Dr K Beichhua, Minister, AH & Veterinary department attended as the chairman of the workshop.

AH & Veterinary minister emphasized on the need to collaborate and put collective efforts among different departments, NGOs and public in order to prevent the entry of African Swine fever virus which is rapidly prevailing in the neighbouring countries. Dr K Beichhua also pointed out the need to setup enterprises by the youth and entrepreneur in the state to meet the rising demand of meat, especially Pork and piglets within the state boundary as it requires shutting down of cross border pig trading to prevent African Swine Fever from entering the state. The minister also mentioned that ASF can be prevented only by bio security measures and there is no vaccine for the disease, therefore, a stringent measures must be maintain in the state boundary.

A power point presentation on brief description of signs and symptoms, prevention and history of African Swine fever is presented by Dr Lalnuntluanga Colney, Joint Director, AH & Veterinary department. Dr Hmarkunga, Director, while delivering keynote address highlighted on the scenario of PRRS over the last 6 years in the state and gives report on various undertaking by the department to prevent the entry of ASF by the department.

The workshop was attended by representatives from Assam Rifles, BSF, AMC, Police, GAD, I&PR, Customs, Commerce & Industries, Pigfed and LAD where discussion follows in chalking out further plan of action. The workshop ended with vote of thanks from Pu Lalthangpuia Sailo, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, AH & Veterinary department.