He Mizoram government has issued high alert due to African swine fever (ASF). () reappears in the state, causing the disappearance of 174 pigs to date.
Recurring outbreak of African swine fever in Mizoram
According to officials of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department (AHV), the ASF outbreak has been confirmed in three districts – Aizawl, Champhai and Saitual. In accordance with the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, the department has declared several villages and towns in the three districts as infected areas following confirmation of African swine fever. and imposed a ban on the export or import of pigs from infected areas of the state and other states, in addition to the sale or slaughter of healthy and sick pigs.
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Dead pigs should be buried with lime powder in designated areas, according to a department notification. Mizoram Veterinary and Livestock Minister C. Lalsawivunga held a meeting with department officials to review the situation. He appealed to all stakeholders to respect the government’s guidelines and directives in the fight against African swine fever.
ASF hit Mizoram for the first time in 2021 and since then, reports of ASF outbreak have been reported time and again. Between May 2023 and April 2024, the state witnessed the loss of thousands of pigs to the contagious disease. AHV Department officials said the ASF outbreak mainly occurs when the weather starts warming and pre-monsoon rains begin in the state.
At least 47,269 pigs and piglets died between 2021 and 2023 in Mizoram due to the African swine fever outbreak, while at least 25,182 pigs were culled during the same period. The amount of losses incurred due to the outbreak of African swine fever in the state is estimated to have crossed Rs 132.20 crore affecting 19,017 families.
The northeastern region’s annual pork business is worth Rs 8,000-10,000 crore, with Assam being the largest supplier. Pork is one of the most common and popular meats consumed by both tribals and non-tribals in the northeastern region.
Reference:
- Mizoram fights African swine fever outbreak – (https://www.newsonair.gov.in/mizoram-grapples-with-african-swine-fever-outbreak-174-pigs-dead/)
Source-IANS
