Northeast Desk, 23rd April: In response to the recent confirmation of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Aizawl and two other districts, the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department has issued a notification outlining preventive measures.
The outbreak of African Swine Fever has been confirmed in Champhai, Saitual, and Aizawl districts, resulting in a total of 174 dead pigs and 68 pigs culled as of April 22, 2024.
Under “The Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Disease in Animal Act 2009 Section 20,” the department has declared various villages and localities as infected areas following the ASF outbreak.
In the designated infected areas, strict regulations have been imposed, prohibiting the export or import of pigs and the sale or slaughter of healthy and sick pigs. Dead pigs must be buried with lime powder to prevent further spread of the disease.
Mizoram experienced significant devastation due to the spread of African Swine Flu in 2021, resulting in substantial losses for swineherds.
Dr. M. Zohmingthangi, Deputy Director of Disease Investigation and Epidemiology, noted that since African Swine Fever has already infected the state, outbreaks of lesser severity will continue to occur. However, she expressed optimism that the severity of the outbreak will diminish over time.
Between May 8, 2023, and April 22, 2024, a total of 1213 pigs have succumbed to African Swine Fever in Mizoram, with 1009 pigs culled as part of the containment efforts.
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