CONRAD DIAS
Ranchi, Sept 11: As African swine fever has wiped out a majority of pigs in the city, the carcasses left on public roads have become a matter of concern for the people. People have complained that despite RMC’s promise, very few pickers have been doing the work.
The ward councillor of ward no. 26 informed lagatar24.com that despite informing the municipal commissioner about the lack of man force in ward 26, the corporation is yet to provide enough man force to clean the carcasses.
Recently, around 20 dead pigs were found decomposing in the open Harmu River. The locals have complained about it as well to the concerned authority.
One of the carcass pickers of RMC Devendra Das spoke to lagatar24.com and said that it is a very tough job to do and after doing it he doesn’t feel like eating.
“I pick around 20 dead pigs from the ward I am assigned to and by the time I finish my work I don’t feel like eating. It is so disgusting to work in such a risky and unhygienic environment,” das said.
However, RMC officials denied giving any statement regarding this when contacted.
Guidelines provided by the Animal husbandry department
On August 18, 2022, the Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Co-operative released important guidelines for pig owners/parents across the city amid pig deaths due to African swine fever.
In the guidelines, it is mentioned that if a pig dies due to African swine fever while burying the carcass, there should be at least 1-1.5 metre distance between the body and the land surface. Moreover, before burying, a good amount of limestone powder and sand must be poured on the dead body and then must be buried with mud.
No vaccine for African Swine Fever
The director of the Animal Health and Production Institute, Bipin Bihari Mahatha said that African swine fever causes sudden death of animals and there is no vaccine or treatment for African swine fever yet. If infected with the fever, a pig dies within 24 hours.
He added that this disease cannot be transmitted to any other animal or even humans. However, if a man or animal comes in contact with an infected pig, it becomes its carrier.
