African Swine Fever Outbreak in Mizoram

African Swine Fever Outbreak in Mizoram

African Swine Fever (ASF) has caused significant devastation to pig populations in Mizoram since its outbreak in February.

Death Toll and Culling Measures

  • Deaths: Over 3,350 pigs have died due to ASF, with 160 additional deaths reported in the last two days alone.
  • Culling: Approximately 6,504 pigs have been culled to prevent further spread, including 300 pigs culled recently.

Geographic Spread

  • Affected Districts: ASF has affected pigs in Aizawl, Champhai, Lunglei, Saitual, Khawzawl, and Serchhip districts.
  • Infected Villages: About 120 villages across these districts have reported ASF outbreaks.

Timeline of Outbreak

  • First Case: Reported in March 2021 in Lungsen village, Lunglei district.
  • Annual Resurfacing: ASF has recurred annually since its initial outbreak.

Government Response

  • Legal Measures: Infected areas declared under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Disease in Animals Act, 2009.
  • Restrictions: Barred supply and import of pigs and pork from infected and neighbouring areas.

Impact and Compensation

  • Economic Impact: Annual pork business in the Northeast valued at Rs 8,000-10,000 crore.
  • Compensation: Over 3,000 families compensated for pig losses.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

  1. What is the approximate number of pigs culled in Mizoram due to ASF in 2024?
    • A) 6,504
    • B) 3,350
    • C) 300
    • D) 160
    • Answer: A) 6,504
  2. Which district reported the first case of ASF in Mizoram?
    • A) Aizawl
    • B) Champhai
    • C) Lunglei
    • D) Saitual
    • Answer: C) Lunglei
  3. Under which act has the Mizoram government declared infected areas due to ASF?
    • A) Wildlife Protection Act
    • B) Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Disease in Animals Act, 2009
    • C) Animal Welfare Act
    • D) Public Health Act
    • Answer: B) Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Disease in Animals Act, 2009
  4. Which neighbouring country might have been a source of the ASF outbreak in Mizoram according to experts?
    • A) Nepal
    • B) Bhutan
    • C) Myanmar
    • D) Sri Lanka
    • Answer: C) Myanmar
  5. What is the estimated annual value of the pork business in the Northeast region?
    • A) Rs 5,000-7,000 crore
    • B) Rs 10,000-12,000 crore
    • C) Rs 8,000-10,000 crore
    • D) Rs 3,000-5,000 crore
    • Answer: C) Rs 8,000-10,000 crore