African Swine Fever Outbreak in Mizoram causes huge losses

According to Mizoram’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, over 3,050 pigs have died in the state since March due to the African Swine Fever outbreak. There has been an intermittent outbreak of African Swine Fever in the state since 2021, resulting in a cumulative loss of Rs 896.69 crore.

Four districts declared African Swine Fever infected 

The Mizoram Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department has declared Siaha, Lawngtlai, Lunglei, and Mamit as districts affected by African Swine Fever. Around 1,000 pigs were killed in these four districts to prevent the spread of the disease.

In 2024, the state suffered an economic loss of Rs 336.49 crore due to the outbreak of the disease, resulting in the deaths of 15,000 pigs. The state Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department has culled around 24,000 pigs to prevent the spread of the disease.

Reason for the current outbreak

• Health officials have attributed the current outbreak to the ongoing hot weather conditions and intermittent rainfall that are favourable for the spread of the virus.

Impact 

• Pork is a significant food source in the region, consumed by both tribal and non-tribal communities. In the northeastern region, with Assam being the largest supplier of pork.

About African Swine Fever

African Swine Fever is a highly contagious hemorrhagic viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs. It causes almost 100% fatality in pigs, resulting in huge economic losses to pig farmers.

The disease originated in Africa and subsequently spread worldwide.

The virus is highly resistant to environmental conditions and spreads through human contact. It can survive on human clothing, boots, vehicles, and various pork products, such as bacon, sausage, or ham.

The African Swine Fever does not affect humans, but has severe economic consequences for the local economy. Pork meat is one of the primary sources of animal protein in many countries, and the decline in the supply of pork meat poses a threat to food security in areas where pork is consumed.

About Mizoram 

Mizoram is one of the eight states of the Northeastern States.

It was part of Assam, and in 1972, it was bifurcated from Assam and was made a Union Territory.

It was made a state in 1987. 

Mizoram shares international boundaries with Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Governor-General (retd) V.K. Singh

Chief Minister - Lalduhoma

Capital- Aizawl