The Lunglei district level coordination committee on African swine fever, held a meeting on May 18 to discuss the steps being taken to tackle the disease affecting the pigs in the state.
The African Swine Fever (ASF) has continued to wreak havoc in Mizoram ever since the first case was reported at Lunglei district in March, 2021.
As per reports by the animal husbandry and veterinary department, as many as 33,417 pigs have died in the state due to African swine fever, with 10,910 pigs culled. The outbreak has affected 9671 families in the state, with fresh cases still reported in the state as on date.
Representatives of line departments, member NGOs such as YMA, MUP; VC Association and Vawkpui Vulh Association (pig farmers’ association), Lunglei were present at the meeting which was chaired by additional DC Pu V Lalruatliana.
The meeting discussed the present ASF situation in Lunglei district, preventive measures and mechanisms in place, as well as strategies to contain potential outbreak in the district.
There are no known cases in the district as on date. However, there were two confirmed cases in April 2022 in Lunglei town.
As per report by Dr Vanlalhruaia, district animal husbandry & veterinary officer, member secretary, district level coordination committee on African swine fever, the two affected swine were immediately culled upon Ragt confirmation.
The department has maintained strict monitoring, and there have been no further suspected cases in the district.
Lunglei district was severely affected by ASF last year, with 3595 swine deaths due to ASF, and 879 more culled.
Lunglei district magistrate Pu Kulothungan A had, on April 6 issued an order that prohibits import of pigs and piglets from other districts, and also prohibits import of pork products from other states and countries.
The police department, forest department, as well as NGOs and VCs were instructed to strictly implement and enforce this order within their respective jurisdictions. It was also decided to make use of the media and public announcement system of all the VCs within Lunglei district.
