Following the confirmation of an African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak at the farm of Khaimuon in Kangvai village under Kangvai Sub-Division, the District Magistrate of Churachandpur has issued a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. The order, issued on Friday, comes into immediate effect.

The Directorate of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Services had earlier notified the outbreak on November 13 and declared the affected area a controlled zone.

According to the order, all areas within a one-kilometre radius of the outbreak epicentre have been designated as the Infected Zone, while villages within a ten-kilometre radius have been classified as the Surveillance Zone. These restrictions have been imposed in line with the National Action Plan for Control, Containment and Eradication of African Swine Fever (2020) and the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009.

Within the infected zone, the movement of pigs, pig feed, pork and pork products has been strictly prohibited. Transporting any animal out of the zone is barred, and no individual is permitted to move live or dead pigs suspected to be infected. Materials that may have come in contact with infected pigs—such as carcasses, bedding, and skins—are also restricted. Pig-related gatherings, including markets, fairs and exhibitions, are banned unless specifically permitted by a competent veterinary authority for other species.

All pigs within the one-kilometre infected radius are to be humanely culled. The District Veterinary Office has been instructed to oversee the safe disposal of carcasses in coordination with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Kangvai) and the Autonomous District Council, Churachandpur.

In the surveillance zone, all restrictions applicable to the infected zone—except culling—will remain in force. Pigs in these areas will undergo intensified clinical, biological and serological surveillance, including in villages adjacent to forested regions, in consultation with the Forest Department and the Autonomous District Council.

District Magistrate Dharun Kumar S. (IAS) issued the order ex parte, citing the urgency of the situation and potential public health risks. The order will remain in effect until further notice. Any violation of the provisions will invite penalties under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.