Mizoram Pig Farmers Devastated by African Swine Fever

Mizoram pig farmers faced a loss of nearly Rs 800 crore due to the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) since March 2021. The state government has declared ASF a disaster and imposed bans on pig imports. Efforts to contain the outbreak are ongoing, though eradication appears unfeasible.

In a devastating turn of events, Mizoram pig farmers have suffered nearly Rs 800 crore in losses due to the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak, the state assembly revealed on Tuesday.

In response to a query, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister C Lalsawivunga detailed that 57,217 pigs have succumbed to ASF while 43,159 others were culled to control its spread between March 2021 and August 15, 2024.

During this year's period from January to August 15 alone, 9,866 pigs died and 17,977 were culled, resulting in a loss of Rs 239.45 crore. The state government has declared ASF a disaster and has received periodic financial aid from the Centre to combat the situation. Despite extensive efforts, complete eradication of ASF remains unlikely.

To curb the spread, the government has banned pig and pork imports from neighboring regions. However, Mizoram, which consumes over 4 lakh kilograms of pork monthly, continues to import pork products from Pune in Maharashtra through private agencies.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) identifies ASF as a highly contagious and lethal viral disease affecting pigs, first identified in Kenya in 1921.

(With inputs from agencies.)