Mizoram grapples with African Swine Fever outbreak

AIZAWL: Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, along with the districts of Champhai and Saitual, is currently grappling with the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF).

The toll from the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Mizoram stands at 174 pigs dead, with 68 more culled as a precautionary measure to stem the spread of the disease.

In response to the outbreak, authorities in Mizoram have imposed strict measures, prohibiting sale or slaughter of pigs and the import or export of pork in the affected areas.

Several villages and localities in the affected districts of Mizoram have been marked as contaminated zones.

Also read: Mizoram: Myanmarese national held with heroin worth Rs 42.7 lakh

Reports indicate that between May 08 of last year, and April 22 this year, a total of 1213 pigs succumbed to African Swine Fever (ASF) in Mizoram, with 1009 pigs culled during this period.

Dr M Zohmingthangi, deputy director of disease investigation and epidemiology, noted that while African Swine Fever (ASF) has already spread across Mizoram, sporadic outbreaks of lesser severity continue to occur.

The ASF outbreak in 2021 had devastating consequences for Mizoram, resulting in significant losses to its pig population.

Mizoram incurred a staggering loss of Rs 534.42 crores during the first and second waves of the disease.