Aizawl, July 05: African Swine Fever (ASF) continues to wreak havoc in Mizoram, with 10 out of 11 districts currently affected by the dreaded swine fever. Over 9,000 pigs have died in three months, according to the state’s animal husbandry and veterinary science department.
According to data released by the department, at least 152 villages or local areas in 10 districts are currently affected by African Swine Fever, which has claimed a total of 9,172 pigs since March, causing monetary losses to the tune of over Rs. 36.68 crore.
Besides, the unusual death of 699 pigs was reported outside ASF-infected areas, it said. Though the cause of death is suspected to be ASF, it is yet to be confirmed, the department added.
The official data also said that 1,078 pigs have been culled so far to prevent the disease from spreading further.
The first pig death due to an unknown disease was reported at Lungsen village in south Mizoram’s Lunglei district bordering Bangladesh on March 21.
After testing negative for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and Classical Swine Flu (CSF), the pig samples were sent to the National Institute of High-Security Animal Disease (NIHSAD) in Bhopal, which confirmed the cause of pig deaths as “ASF” on April 16.
Though the spread of ASF in Lunglei district now became less severe, it began to ravage Aizawl district, which borne the brunt of the pig disease with 3,454 pig deaths so far, according to the AH&Vety Department Minister Dr. K.Beichhua.
So far, the ASF has killed 3,092 pigs in Lunglei district, 684 in Mamit district, 939 in Serchhip district, 320 in Lawngtlai district, 334 in Khawzawl district, 83 in Hnahthial district, 257 in Champhai district, 8 in Saitual district, and 1 in Siaha district, he said.
Also Read: Madhya Pradesh: Boy murdered Girl and family after affair went wrong
Only Kolasib, which borders Assam, is the ASF-free district in the state, he said.
The Minister said further said that the ASF outbreak in Aizawl district and east Mizoram’s Champhai district is believed to be caused by pigs or pork imported from Meghalaya and Myanmar respectively.
Also: NSCW appeals for the safety and dignity of women
He added that the state government will urge the Centre to give compensations to the culled pigs. He also said that the state’s Very Department will urge report to the National Disaster Management.
The Minister also said that once the infectivity of ASF is gone, they will wait for 6 months and disinfect all the area. He also said that they will again try to do a repopulation once the ASF is over.
