In response to the outbreak, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services has declared the affected villages as infected areas under the provisions of the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009.

The move triggers a series of disease-control protocols aimed at preventing further transmission of the highly contagious viral disease among pig populations.

Authorities have imposed stringent restrictions within designated infected zones, which extend up to one kilometre from affected premises.

The transportation of live pigs, pig feed, pork and pork products into or out of these areas has been prohibited.

Slaughtering of pigs, operation of pig markets and abattoirs, as well as the sale of pork and pork products, have also been suspended until further notice.

Veterinary officials have directed pig farmers in affected areas to strengthen farm-level biosecurity measures by limiting visitor access, restricting movement between pig sheds, and ensuring proper sanitation practices.

Vehicles leaving infected locations must undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection before entering other areas.

The department has also issued strict instructions regarding the disposal of infected animals.

Carcasses of infected or suspected pigs must be buried within the affected premises using deep burial methods with lime cover.

The dumping of carcasses in rivers, streams, ponds or other water bodies has been strictly prohibited, with violations attracting penalties under the law.

As part of the containment strategy outlined in the National Action Plan for Control, Containment and Eradication of ASF, a surveillance zone extending up to 10 kilometres from infected sites has also been established.

Within these areas, authorities have restricted the movement of pigs into infected zones and banned the transportation of pig-related equipment originating from affected localities.

Officials said veterinary teams will continue intensive surveillance, sample collection and monitoring activities to track the disease and assess the effectiveness of containment measures.

Pig-related fairs, exhibitions and livestock gatherings have also been prohibited within surveillance zones to minimise the risk of further spread.

The outbreak has been confirmed in several villages and breeding facilities across the affected districts.

In East Khasi Hills, cases have been reported from Urksew Wahpathaw and Mawkajem under Pynursla Block, as well as Mawlai Mawkynroh and Mawlai Umrynjah under Mawlai Block.

In West Khasi Hills, infections have been detected at the Base Pig Breeding Farm, Nongkasen and Wahliewlong under Mawthadraishan Block.

Ri-Bhoi district has reported the highest number of affected locations, including the Regional Pig Breeding Farm at Kyrdemkulai, Lum Umpih, Nongthymmai Umsning, Umsning Proper B, Lum Nongrim, Rongpharkong, Umiarong, Umshorshor, Umsaitsniang Nongpdeng, Mawkyrdep, Nongthymmai Kyrdem, Syllei-U-Lar, Umroi Madan and Labansaro.

In Eastern West Khasi Hills, Mawphanniew village under Mairang Block has also been identified as an infected area.

The department has further banned the practice of swill feeding and directed slaughterhouses and pig farms to ensure safe disposal of waste materials.

Farmers in areas outside the infected and surveillance zones have been advised to remain vigilant, maintain strict hygiene standards, avoid procuring pigs or feed from affected areas, and promptly report any unusual illness or mortality among pigs.

The government has appealed to pig farmers, traders, transporters, local authorities and community leaders to cooperate fully with veterinary officials and Rapid Response Teams.

Officials said collective efforts will be crucial in containing the disease and protecting the livelihoods of thousands of pig farmers across Meghalaya.