Mizoram’s livestock sector has taken a massive hit, with the state incurring a loss of ₹336.49 crore in 2024 due to the persistent outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), according to the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department. The disease, which has devastated the state’s pig population since its onset in 2021, has caused a cumulative loss of ₹896.69 crore over the past four years.
The department reported that in 2024 alone, 14,950 pigs succumbed to ASF, while an additional 24,177 were culled to contain the spread of the highly contagious disease. The first outbreak was recorded on March 21, 2021, in Lungsen village in Lunglei district near the Bangladesh border. That year saw the highest toll, with 33,417 pigs dying and another 12,568 culled, resulting in a financial loss of ₹334.14 crore.
Subsequent years saw fluctuating impacts:
In 2022, 12,795 pigs died, and 11,686 were culled, with losses amounting to ₹210.32 crore.
In 2023, the toll was significantly lower, with 1,139 deaths and 980 pigs culled, causing losses of ₹15.77 crore.
Officials noted a slight respite in December 2024, with a decrease in pig deaths and culling operations. Historically, ASF outbreaks subside during winter but tend to resurge with warmer temperatures.
Mizoram’s pig farming industry has also faced repeated outbreaks of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in 2013, 2016, 2018, and 2020, resulting in additional losses of ₹10.62 crore.
