African Swine Flu Causes Rs 800cr Loss to Mizoram Pig Farmers

The outbreak of African Swine Fever in Mizoram since 2021 has caused a loss of nearly Rs 800 crore to pig farmers in the northeastern state. Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister C Lalsawivunga informed the State Assembly that 57,217 pigs died of ASF and 43,159 others were culled to prevent the spread of the disease between March 2021 and 15 August 2024.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), ASF is a highly contagious and fatal viral disease of pigs. It was first detected in Kenya, East Africa, in 1921 as a disease that killed settlers' pigs.

Pig farmers incurred financial loss to the tune of Rs 799.68 crore during that period in the state, he said, adding that 9,866 pigs have died and 17,977 others culled causing a loss of Rs 239.45 crore due to ASF between January to 15 August this year. Lalsawivunga said that the state got Central assistance from time to time to deal with the situation arising out of ASF.

The state government declared ASF a state of disaster or calamity on January 1 this year, he said, asserting that the administration is making massive efforts to contain the outbreak, although it is not possible to eradicate it completely.

According to the Minister, the state government imposed a complete ban in May on import of pigs and pork products from neighbouring states and countries. Mizoram consumes over 4 lakh kilograms of pork a month on an average, he added.