0
0
Aizawl, Apr 5: A resurgence of African Swine Fever (ASF) has led to the deaths of over 1,050 pigs in Mizoram since March, officials from the state’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department (AHVD) confirmed on Friday. In response to the outbreak, the department has designated 34 localities across three districts as ASF-infected zones.
The affected districts – Lawngtlai, Mamit, and Siaha – share borders with neighbouring countries Myanmar and Bangladesh, as well as the state of Tripura, heightening concerns about potential cross-border transmission of the highly contagious virus. Lawngtlai district was the first to report fresh cases earlier last month.
The outbreak was officially confirmed on March 20 following testing at the Northeast Regional Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (NERDDL) in Guwahati. Since the disease reappeared in March, AHVD teams have undertaken containment measures, including the culling of more than 400 pigs and piglets, in an effort to halt the virus’s spread. Officials stated that surveillance and containment operations are actively ongoing to protect unaffected areas.
This latest outbreak adds to the significant toll ASF has taken on Mizoram’s pig population and economy since it first appeared in 2021. The first case recorded in 2024 was reported on February 9 in Leithum village, Champhai district, which also borders Myanmar.
Historical data highlights the devastating impact:
- 2021: 33,417 pigs died, 12,568 were culled, causing losses of Rs 334.14 crore.
- 2022: 12,795 pigs died, 11,686 were culled, with losses amounting to Rs 210.32 crore.
- 2023: 1,139 pigs died from ASF, and 980 were culled, resulting in Rs 15.77 crore in losses. Cumulatively, the state has suffered estimated losses of approximately Rs 896.69 crore since the beginning of the ASF crisis in 2021.
An AHVD official confirmed that compensation has been provided to several affected families. While African Swine Fever does not pose a threat to human health, it is extremely contagious and fatal for domestic and wild pigs, representing a severe danger to the state’s vital livestock sector.
Disclaimer: This news article was generated based solely on the information provided in the text snippet dated April 5th. It reflects the situation as reported on that date according to the officials cited. For the absolute latest updates, please refer to current official reports from the Mizoram Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department or reputable news sources.
