A Mizoram government minister today announced that the state’s outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) will soon be declared a ‘state disaster’.
Dr K Beichhua, the state animal husbandry and veterinary minister, has said that the state’s chief minister, Zoramthanga, has already given his consent to declare the outbreak as a disaster. Dr Beichhua also said that a notification declaring the ASF outbreak will soon be published.
Data released by the animal husbandry and veterinary department, on May 25, said that more than 37,000 pigs have died since March last year because of the outbreak. While at least 13,918 pigs have had to be culled during the same period, to prevent any further spread of the virus.
The state’s total pig loss therefore totals over 50,000, which has caused huge financial losses for the pig farmers and producers. However, Dr Beichhua has said that the state government has already received funds to compensate farmers for their culled pigs, and that further assistance will soon be released.
As of now, ASF has affected over 50 villages in seven districts of Mizoram, which is situated in northeastern India.