The African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Mizoram continues to wreak havoc, with approximately 1,900 pigs succumbing to the disease since its onset in April. In an effort to contain the highly contagious virus, authorities have culled an additional 3,415 pigs, officials reported on Wednesday.
The ASF epidemic has significantly disrupted the pork business in the northeastern state, which borders Myanmar and Bangladesh. The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary (AHV) Department has declared six districts—Aizawl, Champhai, Lunglei, Saitual, Khawzawl, and Serchhip—as ASF-infested zones. The remaining five districts are considered relatively safe, although Kolasib is under scrutiny due to rapid virus transmission.
Under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Disease in Animals Act, 2009, the AHV Department has marked numerous villages and localities within the affected districts as infected areas since the outbreak began. To curb the spread, the department has prohibited the movement of pigs, piglets, and pork products from these zones. Additionally, the state government has banned the import of pigs and piglets from neighboring states and countries with ongoing ASF outbreaks.
Surveillance teams are actively culling infected pigs and treating designated areas with lime powder. Efforts to educate the public on handling the situation are also underway. Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister C. Lalsawivunga recently convened a meeting with officials to review the crisis and urged compliance with government directives to mitigate the disease’s impact.
Mizoram first encountered ASF in 2021, with subsequent outbreaks reported annually during the warmer, pre-monsoon months. Between 2021 and 2023, over 47,270 pigs and piglets perished due to ASF, while 25,182 pigs were culled. The government has compensated 3,000 families for their losses and is seeking additional funds from the central government to support more affected households.
Experts suggest that the ASF outbreaks may have been triggered by pigs or pork imported from neighboring Myanmar, Bangladesh, and adjoining northeastern states. Pork is a staple in the region, enjoyed by both tribal and non-tribal communities. The northeastern pork market is substantial, with an annual business value estimated between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000 crore, and Assam being the largest supplier.
