Import of Myanmar pork banned

Imphal, June 27 : Following extensive infection of pigs in Myanmar by a disease which was never detected in Manipur and subsequent confirmation by the World Health Organisation (WHO), import of pigs/pork from Myanmar to Manipur has been banned.

An official source informed that the Government of India was informed by the WHO about the outbreak of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome in Myanmar after it was confirmed by the Office of International Epizooties, Italy.

Following instructions from the Government of India to check spread of the viral disease into India, the Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry has banned import of pork/pigs from Myanmar to Manipur through Moreh and other border towns/routes.

The department has been working hard since the past month to prevent the viral disease from crossing into Manipur.

Pigs infected by this disease lose appetite and they often suffer miscarriage.

This disease was first reported in the USA in 1987.At that time, it was known as 'mystery swine disease' or 'mystery reproductive syndrome' .