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):
- 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
- Which district reported the first case of ASF in Mizoram?
- A) Aizawl
- B) Champhai
- C) Lunglei
- D) Saitual
- Answer: C) Lunglei
- 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
- 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
- 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