Pig deaths threaten livelihoods in Ambunti, NAQIA yet to intervene

The sudden death of pigs at Nukuma, Ambunti district in East Sepik, continues to devastate communities, with families losing their source of food, income and cultural value.

The outbreak, first reported in early December 2025, has since spread downstream into Waskuk, Yalaku and Avatip villages, raising fears it could reach Wosera Gawi.

According to the Disease Outbreak Investigation by the East Sepik Provincial Health Authority’s surveillance team on December 8, pigs in Nukuma and Yamano villages showed early signs of weakness, dizziness, loss of appetite and were often found lying in water or cool places.

Post-mortem examinations revealed blackened lungs, mucus-filled white spots, and enlarged kidneys and pancreas. The report also showed other wild animals such as cassowaries, cuscus, wallabies, bandicoots and birds were affected, while fish were not yet impacted.

The investigation further highlighted that water sources in the affected villages are contaminated, with dead pigs floating in creeks and swamps where people draw drinking water. This has left families fearful of disease and struggling to find safe supplies.

The report stated that more than a thousand pigs had already died, causing foul smells in gardens and hunting areas, and leaving households helpless in securing food for their families.

Ambunti District Community Health Worker and Acting Health Promotion Officer Godfried Swolish told NBC News that while no humans have been affected, the loss of pigs is crippling livelihoods, as pigs are central to Sepik traditions, bride price, compensation and feasting.

He said the outbreak is moving downstream and warned that without intervention, the situation could worsen.

Despite the East Sepik Provincial Health Authority’s assessment last year, the National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority [NAQIA] has yet to intervene or provide a response to this newsroom.