Aizwal (Mizoram): Triggering panic, 4,832 pigs were reported dead from African Swine Fever between March 21 and May 31. According to state Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department, 81 pigs died of African Swine Fever on May 31.
Till now, the disease has been confirmed in eight districts — Siaha, Lawngtlai, Lunglei, Serchhip, Aizawl, Khawzawl, Champhai and Mamit. The disease was first detected in the state on March 25 in Lungsen district.
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Following that, Rapid Response Team was set up immediately in all districts. Lungsen was declared as infected zone by Mizoram Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department as per “The Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act 2009.”
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The National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal had confirmed it and Chief Secretary of the state was informed.
Lunglei district has identified 26 villages as infected areas, according to Lalhmingthanga. The present live pig population in these infected areas is 32,108, said Dr Lalhmingthanga, the Joint Director (Livestock Health) at the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Department.
The government has also received reports about the unusual deaths of 100 pigs outside the ASF-infected areas, he said.
This is the first instance of an ASF outbreak in Mizoram and is believed to be caused by pigs imported from neighboring states and countries, officials said.
Mizoram shares inter-state borders with Assam, Manipur and Tripura and also international boundaries with Bangladesh and Myanmar.
ASF is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease, affecting both domestic and feral swine of all ages. Experts said that it is not a threat to human health and cannot be transmitted from pigs to humans. No vaccine is available for the virus till date.
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