09/03/2022
PRESS RELEASE FROM ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND VETERINARY SERVICES DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT OF SIKKIM
Sikkim recorded first case of a devastating Viral Infectious Disease in pigs, called Porcine Reproductive Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) – SOP and Ban on Entry of Pigs and Pork into the state imposed by AHVS Dept.
Sikkim has recorded first case of Porcine Reproductive Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in Burtuk, East Sikkim by RT-PCR tested at National Institute of High Security Animal Disease (NIHSAD), Bhopal. It is a devastating and very important economic infectious swine disease. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India issued an advisory to Government of Sikkim to take biosecurity and other preventive measures. Accordingly, the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department, Govt of Sikkim is taking all biosecurity and preventive measures as per the advisory and as per the technical requirements.
The PRRS causes high preweaning mortality. Nursing pigs may have dyspnea. Post-weaning mortality often is markedly increased, especially with more virulent strains and the occurrence of ever-present concurrent and secondary infections. Older pigs, especially naïve, high-health swine, have similar respiratory signs. Heterologous infections may lead to prolonged or repeated outbreaks of respiratory disease. The morbidity rate among cohorts is 5 to 20% and the mortality in affected pigs is often more than 50%. PRRS is disease listed in The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and India being a member of OIE, India is committed to report it to OIE and carry out control and containment as per the protocol.
As per the advisory, in order to minimize the economic impact of the outbreaks and to control PRRS, the movement of animals to and from the infected area should be completely banned. Pig markets located within 10 km radius of the epicentre of infection should be closed. Trade of live pigs, participation in fairs, shows should be banned immediately upon confirmation of the disease in the affected areas
In view of the above and in compliance to the advisory issued by Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India and as per the provisions under Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, the following biosecurity and other preventive measures are imposed to prevent any possible incidents and spread of virus in other areas in the state.
1. Prohibition in entry of Live pig and pork from outside the state temporarily with immediate effect till further noticeinto the state of Sikkim.
2. Prohibition of Live Pig markets located within 10 km radius of the epi-centre of infection, that is Burtuk village, Gangtok District and Prohibition of Trade of live pigs, participation in shows and fairsimmediately upon confirmation of the disease in any areas in Sikkim.
It is relevant here to mention that PRRS is not a zoonotic disease and hence there is no public health risk as there are no evidence of human infections.
The Animal Husbandry &Veterinary Services, Govt of Sikkimhas also issued Standard Operating Procedure for control and management of the disease including collection of Biological Samples for Testing of Porcine Reproductive Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and collection of information on PRRS, which is to be adopted by Field Veterinarians and Piggery Farm Managers. All the veterinarians have been alerted with the SOP including the requirement of farm visits, reporting of symptoms, mortality, containment of farms tested positive from movement, collection of samples for testing and to take all measures for prevention, control and management of this infectious disease. Piggery farmers advised to follow the movement restrictions, containment and other measures prescribed by the veterinarians strictly and also advised to burn or bury dead animals, Separate sick and healthy animals, provide animals with appropriate medications and there shall be no movement and selling pigs and transporting equipment and other materials from the farm suspicious or confirmed with this disease.
(Dr. P. Senthil Kumar, IFS)
Secretary - AH&VS
