In Mizoram, the state is on high alert as the African Swine Fever (ASF) strikes again, resulting in the deaths of as many as 174 pigs due to the outbreak of the disease. The outbreak of the ASF has been confirmed in three districts: Aizawl, Champhai and Saitual.

Citing “The Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Disease in Animal Act 2009, Section 20”, the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department has declared various villages and localities as infected areas following the confirmation of ASF. The Department has put up strict measures including the prohibition of pig export or import from infected zones, besides the sale or slaughter of both healthy and sick pigs. Dead pigs must be buried with lime powder in designated areas.

Meanwhile, Minister of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary C. Lalsawivunga chaired a meeting with departmental officials on Tuesday (April 24) at his office chamber to take stock of the situation. The Minister appealed to one and all to adhere to the government’s guidelines and directives in the fight against African Swine Fever.

African Swine Fever hits Mizoram in 2021. Since then, reports of the outbreak of ASF have been reported time and again. Between May 2023 and April 2024, the state witnessed the loss of 1213 pigs to African Swine Fever.