African Swine Fever outbreak in Mizoram

Mizoram is facing a severe African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak, with over 3,050 pigs dead in the last month across four districts—Siaha, Lawngtlai, Lunglei, and Mamit.

About African Swine Fever African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs. It is caused by the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV), a large double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Asfarviridae family.

Key Facts About African Swine Fever 1. Symptoms High fever, weakness, and loss of appetite. Reddening of the ears, skin, and mucous membranes. Bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Almost 100% fatality rate in infected pigs.

2. Transmission Direct contact with infected pigs. Contaminated feed, clothing, vehicles, and equipment.

Bites from infected soft ticks (Ornithodoros species). The virus can survive for long periods in pork products.

China, the world's largest pork producer, was severely affected in 2018.

4. Prevention & Control No approved vaccine or cure available. Strict biosecurity measures in farms. Culling infected pigs to prevent spread. Monitoring and controlling pig movement.