The state of Mizoram in India is battling a new outbreak of African swine fever (ASF), claiming 2,527 pigs so far in 2025 and forcing the culling of nearly 1,000 more to contain the spread of this deadly disease, officials said in United News of India.
A Guwahati-based laboratory reported the outbreak on March 20. Since then, the outbreak has primarily affected four urban areas — Siaha, Lawngtlai, Zawlnuam and Luglei. Authorities say rural areas remain unaffected for now.
Siaha has been the worst-hit area with 1,347 pigs lost, followed by Lawngtlai with 1,001 pigs lost.
Though the virus has caused the most losses in urban areas, animal husbandry officials say they are closely monitoring the situation and working to avoid its spread to rural areas.
ASF is a deadly disease of pigs only and poses no food safety risks. However, the devastating disease has caused major economic impacts globally.
Mizoram has witnessed recurring ASF outbreaks in recent years, the article said, impacting both livelihoods and food security in the state where pork is a staple protein source.
