Aizawl, Oct 02: Mizoram has been grappling with the devastating impact of African Swine Fever (ASF) on its pig population, leading to significant economic losses. ASF, a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs, has wreaked havoc on the state’s pig farming industry, resulting in massive culling and economic setbacks over the past two years.
In 2021, the first wave of ASF hit Mizoram, forcing authorities to cull a staggering 12,568 pigs to contain the outbreak. The following year, 2022, witnessed the resurgence of the disease in a second wave, resulting in the culling of 11,594 more pigs. As of the ongoing third wave in 2023, 980 pigs have succumbed to the disease, with an additional 590 pigs being culled as a precautionary measure.
The economic toll of these ASF waves has been staggering, amounting to a loss of 534.42 crores for Mizoram. This significant setback has not only affected the state’s economy but also taken a toll on the livelihoods of countless pig farmers and villages.
In 2021, the ASF outbreak impacted a total of 272 villages across Mizoram. While the number of affected villages decreased to 149 in 2022, the disease still lingered, affecting several regions. Presently, 29 villages remain affected by ASF, with sporadic outbreaks still occurring.
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Despite temporary containment efforts, ASF resurfaced in July 2023, affecting villages in eastern districts such as Champhai and Khawzawl. The disease also made its presence felt in Pukpui village in Lunglei district, resulting in the deaths of approximately 260 pigs.
To address the ongoing crisis and reduce the state’s dependence on pork imports from other regions, the Mizoram government has taken proactive measures to bolster domestic pork production. This strategic move aims to ensure a stable supply of pork and other meats within the state, mitigating the impact of ASF on the economy and livelihoods.
The initial outbreak of ASF in Mizoram was reported in March 2021 at Lungsen village in Lunglei district, near the border with Bangladesh. During that year alone, a staggering 33,417 pigs succumbed to the disease, and over 10,900 pigs were culled to prevent further spread.
Mizoram’s geographical location presents unique challenges, as the state shares a 510 km international border with Myanmar to the east and a 318 km border with Bangladesh to the west. These borders pose potential risks for the introduction and spread of diseases like ASF.
In addition to ASF, Mizoram has grappled with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) outbreaks in recent years, including incidents in 2013, 2016, 2018, and 2020. These outbreaks resulted in the deaths of thousands of pigs and piglets, incurring losses of approximately Rs 10.62 crore.
A recent revelation by the local vernacular, Zalen, shed light on the staggering monthly pork consumption in Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram. According to the state’s Animal Husbandry & Veterinary (AH & Vety) department, Aizawl alone consumes a remarkable 12,45,000 kilograms of pork every month, highlighting the significance of the pork industry in the region.
As Mizoram continues to battle the economic and agricultural challenges posed by ASF, efforts to strengthen domestic pork production and disease control measures remain crucial for the state’s recovery and resilience in the face of future outbreaks.
