Serchhip, 16 July 2024 – in Mizoram, the ongoing battle against African Swine Fever (ASF) has led to significant losses in the local pig population. In Serchhip District, as of July 15, 2024, officials report that a staggering 1,311 pigs have succumbed to the disease across 27 villages and localities, while 3,411 pigs have been culled in a desperate bid to halt its spread.
The district's Thenzawl area has been particularly hard hit, with 383 pigs reported dead while in Chhingchhip 1,265 were culled. Overall, in the 27 affected towns and villages, a total of 5,637 pigs have either died from ASF or been culled as a precautionary measure.
Authorities continue to implement stringent measures to control the outbreak, but the impact on local livelihoods and the regional economy is already profound. Meanwhile, officials reported that a total of 23 pigs have also died in the neighbouring Thenzawl District. The current ASF epidemic has hit Mizoram hard, severely affecting pig farming communities.