Mizoram bans import of pigs, pork merchandise amid contemporary African Swine Fever outbreak

By PTI

AIZAWL: The Mizoram authorities banned the import of pigs and pork merchandise after new circumstances of African Swine Fever (ASF) have been detected within the state, as per an official notification.

There will likely be a whole ban on the import of dwell pigs, contemporary pork and all different pork merchandise, together with frozen pork, from different states and different international locations till additional orders, mentioned the notification issued on Saturday.

The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department will guarantee necessary disinfection of pig-rearing premises and implement strict hygiene measures and isolation of suspected pigs, it mentioned.

The division can even make sure the secure disposal of pig carcass in accordance with the National Action Plan for Control, Containment and Eradication of African Swine Fever, it added.

The authorities additionally issued helpline numbers — 0389-2336441, 9436142908, 9436151203 and 8794206212 — for instant reporting of any uncommon mortality of pigs.

Mizoram had on February 1 lifted the ban on the import of pigs and pork merchandise, 17 months after it was imposed in August 2020, because the outbreak of ASF was contained with no circumstances reported since December final yr.

In the newest wave, 384 pig deaths have been reported. The newest deaths have been reported from throughout 5 districts, as per officers. ASF had claimed the lives of 33,417 pigs between March and November final yr, inflicting losses of Rs 60.82 crore.

A complete of 10,910 pigs have been culled final yr to forestall the unfold of the illness.