Mizoram Battles African Swine Fever: Over 68,000 Pigs Dead, 10,400 Families Affected

Since 2021, Mizoram has been grappling with a severe outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), which has led to devastating economic and agricultural consequences across the state. According to the state’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary (AH&Vety) Department, the ASF outbreak has resulted in an estimated total loss of ₹963.14 crore as of July 2024. The disease has killed 68,172 pigs and affected more than 10,400 families dependent on pig farming for their livelihoods.

ASF was first confirmed in Mizoram on March 21, 2021, in Lungsen village in the Lunglei district, located near the Bangladesh border. Authorities suspect that the virus entered the state through imported pigs. To contain the spread of the disease, government officials undertook mass culling of infected and exposed animals. So far, 51,301 pigs have been culled. Pig farmers whose livestock were culled have received over ₹14.51 crore in compensation between 2021 and 2023.

In 2024 alone, ASF has claimed 5,871 pigs between January and July 17, while an additional 1,942 pigs were culled as a preventive measure. Financially, the year 2024 has been the most damaging, with losses amounting to ₹336.4 crore. Comparatively, the state experienced ₹334.14 crore in losses in 2021, ₹210 crore in 2022, and only ₹15.77 crore in 2023 — the lowest annual loss since the outbreak began. As of July 16, 2024, the state had already incurred ₹66.51 crore in losses for the current year.

In response to the ongoing crisis, the Mizoram government has submitted a proposal to the central government, requesting an additional ₹24.94 crore in relief funds for the year 2024. Officials emphasize that the disease tends to recede during the colder months but flares up during the warmer seasons, creating a recurring pattern that complicates containment efforts.

ASF is currently active in 66 villages across three districts in the state, affecting over 1,700 families. The rapid spread of the virus has highlighted the urgent need for long-term biosecurity measures, enhanced surveillance, and timely intervention to protect pig populations and support farmers. The authorities are exploring improved protocols and public awareness campaigns to educate pig rearers about ASF control strategies.

In addition to ASF, Mizoram has previously encountered outbreaks of another deadly disease—Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). Documented outbreaks occurred in 2013, 2016, 2018, and 2020, cumulatively killing thousands of pigs and piglets. These PRRS outbreaks caused a total estimated loss of ₹10.62 crore, further exacerbating the challenges faced by pig farmers in the state.

The twin threats of ASF and PRRS underscore the vulnerability of Mizoram’s pig-rearing economy, which is a major source of livelihood for a significant portion of its rural population. Moving forward, the government aims to strengthen veterinary services, enhance disease monitoring, and seek sustained support from the Centre to help affected families rebuild and sustain their incomes.