Resurgence of ASF claims over 3k pigs in Mizoram since March 20

Aizawl: At least 3,366 pigs have died in Mizoram due to the resurgence of the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak this year since March 20 while 1,045 pigs have been culled to prevent further spread of the porcine disease during the same period.

On March 20, a Guwahati laboratory tests confirmed from samples of pig casualties that the deaths were due to ASF infection,

Daily pig casualties on Thursday surged to 107 in 18 localities of southern Mizoram's Siaha town bordering Myanmar (88), and four localities in adjoining Lawngtlai district bordering Myanmar and Bangladesh (19).

Cumulative pig deaths in Siaha town as of Thursday rose to 1,930, followed by Lawngtlai town with 1,245. Additionally, 170 deaths occured in Zawlnuam town of Mamit district bordering Bangladesh and Tripura and 20 in south Mizoram's Lunglei town bordering Bangladesh. State animal husbandry & veterinary department officials said 46 localities in four towns have been declared as ASF-infected areas.

Of 1,045 pigs culled so far, 660 pigs have been culled in Siaha town, 315 in Lawngtlai town, 48 in Zawlnuam town and 22 in Lunglei town.

Tens of thousands of pigs have been killed by ASF infection since March 21, 2021, when the first pig deaths were confirmed at Lungsen village in Lunglei. The outbreak reoccurred every year since then with ASF remaining in the state.