The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock hereby notifies the general public that an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) was confirmed in wild pigs on May 7, 2024 in Chhumig geog under Bumthang Dzongkhag after reports of wild pig deaths. This is the first ever confirmed outbreak of ASF in wild pig population in the country.
ASF is highly contagious and often fatal to pigs, both wild and domestic, causing substantial disruptions in the livelihoods of pig farmers and also posing a significant threat to the ecosystem. Given that the majority of the previous ASF outbreaks in the domestic pig population in the country were linked to the illegal importation of pork and pork products, the Ministry strongly urges the general public to refrain from engaging in such illegal activities. Any suspected illegal imports should be reported immediately through the toll-free number 1555 (BFDA). Furthermore, any import of pork and pork products into the country must undergo regulatory process, including obtaining an import permit from BFDA prior to importation.
Additionally, the pig farmers in the country are requested to enhance the biosecurity of their farms by implementing the following measures:
- Do not feed kitchen wastes/wastes from hotels and restaurants containing pork and pork
- products to the pigs;
- Ensure other kitchen wastes that are fed to the pigs are properly cooked before feeding;
- Prevent domestic pigs from coming into contact with wild pigs;
- Prevent visitors from entering the farm;
- Immediately report any suspicious pig deaths, both domestic and wild, to the nearest livestock extension center or call toll-free number 1244 (DoL).
Any person found not adhering to this notification shall be firmly dealt in accordance with the laws of the country.
Issued for information and strict compliance.
