Since mid-March 2025, Mizoram has been battling a severe outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), leading to the death of over 9,380 pigs and the culling of approximately 3,690 pigs across eight districts. This crisis has devastated local livelihoods, particularly affecting small-scale pig farmers.
Mizoram’s pig farming industry is a cornerstone of the state’s rural economy, and the rapid spread of ASF has created economic and social challenges that require urgent attention.
Districts Most Affected by African Swine Fever in Mizoram
Siaha District
Siaha has been the hardest-hit district, with over 3,380 pig deaths reported across 38 villages. Approximately 1,295 families have been affected, and around 935 pigs have been culled as a containment measure.
Lawngtlai District
Lawngtlai district reported 1,771 pig deaths affecting 381 families. The authorities culled 1,619 pigs to contain the virus. Many smallholders in Lawngtlai rely solely on pig farming for income, and these losses have placed a severe strain on household economies.
Other Affected Districts
Other districts experiencing significant outbreaks include Lunglei, Khawzawl, Hnahthial, Serchhip, Mamit, and Champhai. In total, 162 villages and localities have been affected.
Economic Impact of African Swine Fever in Mizoram
The outbreak has led to an estimated economic loss of ₹110.36 crore for Mizoram’s pig farmers. Many affected families face financial insecurity, as pig farming contributes significantly to rural household incomes. With the virus continuing to spread, local markets for pork have also been disrupted, affecting both supply and prices.
The state government has urged farmers to report cases promptly and follow biosecurity measures, but many rural areas lack adequate veterinary infrastructure. Support for affected farmers in the form of compensation and relief packages is critical to sustaining the livelihoods of thousands of families.
Disease Characteristics and Spread
African Swine Fever in Mizoram is caused by a highly contagious virus affecting both domestic pigs and wild boars. Although harmless to humans, ASF has a near 100% mortality rate in pigs.
Wild boar deaths have also been reported in Kolasib district, increasing concerns about the spread of the virus to wildlife. ASF spreads through direct contact with infected pigs, contaminated feed, or equipment, making strict hygiene and containment measures vital
Containment Measures and Challenges
The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department (AHVD) has implemented several measures to control the outbreak, including culling infected pigs, restricting the movement of pigs and pork products, and increasing surveillance in affected areas. However, the lack of a vaccine and the disease’s rapid spread pose significant challenges. Authorities are also concerned about the potential spread of ASF to wildlife, which could complicate containment efforts.
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The ongoing ASF outbreak in Mizoram underscores the need for increased support for affected communities. Individuals and organizations can contribute by donating to local relief funds, supporting affected farmers, and raising awareness about the importance of biosecurity measures in livestock management. Together, we can help mitigate the impact of this devastating outbreak on Mizoram’s pig farming community.