Fresh outbreak of African Swine Fever kills over 400 pigs in Mizoram
Mizoram state Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary has reported another outbreak of African Swine Fever in the state, killing more than 800 pigs. Over 400 pigs were culled by the authorities in Mizoram to prevent further spread of the disease.
This is the third outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Mizoram since the month of May this year. There was a slight containment in the spread of the African Swine Fever (ASF) in June. However, it resurfaced in July impacting Many villages in Champhai, Khawzawl and eastern parts of Mizoram.
The most recent outbreak has been reported from Pukpui village in south Mizoram’s Lunglei district, leading to death of approximately 260 pigs in the village. Over 260 pigs have died in Kawlkulh, Khawzawl district, since May this year.
The first outbreak of ASF was reported in March 2021 at Lungsen village in Lunglei district, near the border with Bangladesh.
In 2021, a staggering 33,417 pigs died, and over 10,900 pigs were culled. In 2020 too, the state had witnessed the death of more than 10,000 pigs due to ASF.
Mizoram shares a 510 km international border with Myanmar to the east and a 318 km border with Bangladesh to the west, which increases the risk of the diseases crossing international borders.
In the past, Mizoram has also grappled with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) resulting in the deaths of thousands of pigs and piglets and incurring crores of losses in the state exchequer.
