African Swine Fever Outbreak in Mizoram: Over 3,000 Pigs Dead in Four Districts

Mizoram is currently grappling with a severe outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), which has led to the death of over 3,000 pigs within a month, primarily affecting the districts of Siaha, Lawngtlai, Lunglei, and Mamit. The outbreak has not only devastated local pig farming but also forced authorities to implement culling measures in an attempt to curb the spread of the disease.

Why in the News?

Mizoram is currently facing a significant African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak, which has claimed the lives of over 3,000 pigs in the last month. The four affected districts—Siaha, Lawngtlai, Lunglei, and Mamit—are battling the rapid spread of this disease, which has already caused considerable financial losses.

ASF Outbreak in Mizoram

• Over 3,050 pigs have died due to the outbreak of African Swine Fever in four districts of Mizoram in the last month. The disease continues to spread rapidly, with 46 localities across Siaha, Lawngtlai, Lunglei, and Mamit being declared ASF-infected zones by the state’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department.

Impact on Local Pig Farming

• Siaha district has been the hardest hit, with 1,651 pig deaths recorded in the area. The virus has spread quickly, especially during the state’s hot climatic conditions and intermittent rainfall, which create favorable conditions for ASF.
• In an effort to control the disease, nearly 1,000 pigs have been culled in these districts as part of prevention measures.

Economic Losses

• The economic loss due to ASF outbreaks in Mizoram has been devastating. In 2024 alone, the state incurred a loss of Rs 336.49 crore, with approximately 15,000 pigs dying and nearly 24,200 pigs culled to curb the virus spread.

The financial impact has been severe in previous years as well,

• In 2023, the state lost Rs 15.77 crore due to ASF.
• In 2022, the loss stood at Rs 210.32 crore.
• In 2021, the state lost Rs 334.14 crore due to the combined deaths and culling of pigs.

Previous ASF Outbreaks

• In 2023, the ASF outbreak killed 1,139 pigs and piglets, with 980 pigs culled.
• In 2022, a total of 12,800 pigs died and 11,686 were culled due to ASF.
• In 2021, the most severe outbreak led to the death of 33,417 pigs and piglets, and the culling of 12,568 pigs.

Compensation to Farmers

• The government has provided compensation to over 100 families who lost their pigs due to the ASF outbreaks. This financial assistance aims to help mitigate the financial strain on local farmers who rely heavily on pig farming as a source of income.

Ongoing Efforts to Control ASF

• The Mizoram Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department continues to monitor the situation closely, implementing quarantine measures, and providing compensation to affected families. Efforts to control ASF will likely continue to escalate as the virus continues to threaten the local pig farming industry.