African Swine Fever: Mizoram reimposes ban on import of pigs, pork

Aizawl: Two months after allowing import of pigs from other states, Mizoram government on Saturday re-imposed a complete ban on import of pigs and pork products from other states and countries following new cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) being reported in some parts of the state.

The government had on February 1 lifted the ban on the import of pigs and pork products from ASF-free states 17 months after it had imposed a ban in August 2020 as the outbreak of ASF was more or less contained with no single case reported since December last year. 

The order, issued by Chief Secretary Renu Sharma on Saturday, said there will be a complete ban on the import of live pigs, fresh pork and all other pork products, including frozen pork from other states and other countries until further orders.

State animal husbandry and the veterinary department will ensure mandatory disinfection of pig-rearing premises and enforce strict hygiene measures and isolation of suspected pigs, the order said.

The department will also undertake measures to ensure safe disposal of pig carcass in accordance with the ‘National Action Plan for Control, Containment and Eradication of African Swine Fever’, it said.

Intensive physical surveillance and immediate reporting of any unusual mortality of pigs or wild pigs to the department helpline No. 0389-2336441, 9436142908, 9436151203 and 8794206212 should be effected, it said. 

“The above steps shall be taken in accordance with the National Action Plan for Control, Containment and Eradication of African Swine Fever,” the order added.

According to data released by state animal husbandry and veterinary department, 384 pigs and piglets have died so far since the last part of January. Of the 384 pig deaths, 64 in Champhai district were already confirmed ASF, it said.

The fresh pig deaths were reported from 24 villages and localities across five districts. The ASF had claimed 33,417 pigs between March and November last year, causing monetary losses to the tune of Rs 60.82 crore.

A total of 10,910 pigs have also been culled to prevent the further spread of ASF last year. 

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