ASF outbreak in Mizoram has caused the death of over 2600 pigs

An African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in the Indian state of Mizoram has resulted in the death of over 2600 pigs since March. The worst affected district is Siaha, which has reported 1347 pigs killed by the disease. Another particularly hit area is Lawngtlai, with around 1000 deaths, followed by the districts of Zawinaum and Lunglei, with 166 and 13 deaths. In addition to these fatalities, authorities have culled over 800 pigs as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of the disease. The outbreak was confirmed in March by a laboratory in Guwahati. At present, it remains confined to 44 localities near urban centres, with rural areas mostly unaffected.
ASF is highly contagious and affects domestic and wild pigs. It has high mortality rates, but it poses no risk to human health. However, it can have devastating economic consequences for pig-rearing communities. Mizoram has experienced recurring outbreaks of the disease since March 2021.