OUR REPORTER AIZAWL, APRIL 19
At least 920 pigs have died due to African Swine Fever (ASF) in Mizoram since the first death was reported on March 21 at Lungsen village in south Mizoram Lunglei district bordering Bangladesh, an official said.
State animal husbandry and veterinary department joint director (Livestock Health) Dr. Lalhmingthanga said that the government of India on Friday declared African Swine Fever as the cause of death of pigs in Mizoram after a laboratory test at National Institute of High Security Animal Disease Laboratory( NISHAD) in Bhopal.
He said that the prevailing ASF has currently affected four districts in the state. According to him, so far 577 pigs have died in Lungsen village, 32 in Lunglei’s Electric Veng locality, 78 in Edenthar neighbourhood and 74 in Armed Veng locality, both in Aizawl.
Besides, 159 pigs have died in three villages in Mamit district, he said.
He said that a detailed report from Serchhip is awaited. Lalhmingthanga said that Lungsen in Lunglei district, Zawlnuam in Mamit district, Keitum in Serchhip district, three localities in AizawlBawngkawn, Armed Veng, Edenthar, and three other localities in Lunglei townElectric Veng, Salem Veng and Rashhi Veng- have been declared as “infected” areas to prevent the virus from further spread. 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.
(Source: The Mizoram Post Vol. 18 Issue 307 Aizawl Tuesday 20 April 2021 http://www.themizorampost.net/page-view?date=20-04-2121&page_no=1)