Aizawl- The African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Mizoram has resulted in the deaths and culling of over 39,200 pigs since February 9, 2024, according to officials from the Mizoram Animal Husbandry and Veterinary (AHV) Department. This includes over 15,000 pigs killed and more than 24,200 culled to control the spread of the disease.

After a period of decline in fatalities, the state saw a sharp surge in pig deaths and culling this week, primarily in Kolasib and Lunglei districts bordering Assam and Bangladesh, respectively. The AHV Department official stated that while the mortality rate has decreased since the summer season ended, the outbreak persists in several districts.

Unofficial estimates indicate that pig farmers and rearers in seven out of Mizoram's 11 districts have suffered significant losses due to the outbreak. Approximately 260 villages across Aizawl, Champhai, Kolasib, Lunglei, Saitual, Khawzawl, and Serchhip districts have reported ASF infections, impacting both government and private farms. The government compensated several hundred families for pigs lost to the disease.

To combat the spread, the AHV Department has implemented restrictions on the movement of pigs, piglets, and pork from infected areas. Additionally, the state has banned the import of these animals from neighboring states and countries experiencing ASF outbreaks.

ASF, a highly contagious and deadly disease affecting pigs, typically sees increased activity during warmer months and the pre-monsoon season. However, this year's outbreak has persisted even through the winter. The AHV Department traces the first case back to February 9 in Leithum village, Champhai district, bordering Myanmar. This outbreak follows the deaths of 33,420 pigs in 2021, 12,800 in 2022, and 1,040 in 2023 due to ASF.

Mizoram Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister C Lalsawivunga recently revealed in the state assembly that the 2021 outbreak alone caused nearly Rs 800 crore in losses to pig farmers.

While ASF does not affect humans, it poses a severe threat to pig populations, with a high mortality rate. Experts suggest the outbreak may have originated from pigs or pork brought from neighboring countries or states. Mizoram shares 510 km and 318 km of unfenced borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh, respectively.