0
0
Sharp Surge in Pig Deaths Causes Huge Losses for Farmers
Aizawl: The outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Mizoram has resulted in the killing and culling of over 39,200 pigs since February 9 this year, according to officials from the Mizoram Animal Husbandry and Veterinary (AHV) Department. The northeastern state has witnessed a significant increase in fatalities this week after weeks of decline.
A senior AHV Department official revealed that the sharp spike in pig deaths has been particularly observed in Kolasib district, bordering Assam, and Lunglei district, which shares a border with Bangladesh. While the ASF outbreak typically worsens with the warming climate and pre-monsoon rains, officials noted that the infection has persisted even after the onset of winter this year.
Widespread Impact Across Districts
The official reported that ASF has spread across seven out of Mizoram’s 11 districts, affecting approximately 260 villages. The worst-hit districts include Aizawl, Champhai, Kolasib, Lunglei, Saitual, Khawzawl, and Serchhip. Both government and private pig farms have been severely affected, causing widespread economic distress for farmers and rearers in the region.
To curb the spread of the virus, the AHV Department has declared the infected villages as containment zones. Strict measures, including bans on the supply of pigs, piglets, and pork from these areas, have been enforced. Additionally, the state government has prohibited the import of pigs and piglets from neighboring states and countries where ASF cases have been reported.
Economic Losses and Farmer Compensation
The outbreak of ASF in Mizoram has caused unprecedented losses since its first occurrence in mid-March 2021. According to AHV officials, Mizoram recorded 33,420 pig deaths in 2021, followed by 12,800 in 2022 and 1,040 in 2023. This year, the outbreak began on February 9 in Leithum village, Champhai district, which shares a porous border with Myanmar.
In a recent address to the state assembly, Mizoram Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister C Lalsawivunga stated that pig farmers incurred losses amounting to nearly Rs 800 crore due to the ASF outbreak in 2021. The state government has since provided compensation to hundreds of families who have suffered losses.
ASF Spread and Its Causes
Experts attribute the spread of ASF to infected pigs or pork transported from neighboring Myanmar, Bangladesh, and other northeastern states. Mizoram’s 510-km-long unfenced border with Myanmar and 318-km-long border with Bangladesh increases the risk of disease transmission. ASF, which poses no threat to humans, is a highly contagious viral disease among pigs with a near-100% mortality rate.
Pork Industry Under Threat
Pork remains a staple in Mizoram and the larger northeastern region, where it is consumed widely by tribal and non-tribal populations. The annual pork industry in the northeast is valued at around Rs 8,000-10,000 crore, with Assam being the largest supplier. The continued spread of ASF threatens this vital economic sector and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers across the region.
Government Response
The AHV Department, following central guidelines under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Disease in Animals Act, 2009, continues to monitor the situation closely. Strict containment measures are being implemented to prevent the disease’s further spread, while efforts to compensate affected farmers remain ongoing.
Officials urge pig farmers to remain vigilant and adhere to biosecurity measures to mitigate further losses. The state government is also working to ensure that the spread of ASF does not escalate further in the coming months.
