Since March this year, pig farmers in India’s Mizoram have incurred estimated losses of USD 13.29 million.
Since mid-March 2025, African swine fever (ASF) has killed 9380 pigs across India’s Mizoram state. The outbreak has affected 3700 families in 162 villages across eight districts.
“The disease shows no sign of abating,” said a senior official from the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department (AHVD). Teams have culled 3455 pigs in the worst-hit districts to contain the virus.
“Since March this year, pig farmers in Mizoram have incurred estimated losses of USD 13.29 million,” the official said. The impact is severe in rural areas, where pig rearing is a key livelihood.
Districts affected
Siaha district in southern Mizoram has borne the brunt of the epidemic, with more than 3380 pig deaths across 38 villages and localities, affecting nearly 1,295 families. Authorities have culled some 935 pigs there.
Lawngtlai district is the second-worst affected, with 1771 pig deaths in 18 villages, with 381 families impacted.
Other districts reporting heavy losses include Khawzawl, Hnahthial, Lunglei, Serchhip, Mamit, and Champhai. Of these, Lunglei has culled the most so far, destroying 1619 pigs, followed by Siaha.
Containment and vigilance
The state government urges farmers to remain alert and cooperate with AHVD teams as they work the virus’ spread. Mass culling and strict monitoring continue in affected zones.
Veterinary teams are making regular visits to the outbreak zones to track fresh cases and initiate swift containment measures.
Earlier this month, Mizoram Governor Vijay Kumar Singh met with senior AHVD officials to assess the crisis. Officials briefed him on the current spread and its economic toll on the state’s pig industry.
ASF was first recorded in March 2021 Mizoram in Lungsen village, Lunglei district. Repeated outbreaks have devastated pig farmers since then.
Compensation efforts
To cushion the economic blow, USD 1.75 million has been disbursed under the central assistance scheme for animal disease control and through state funds. The Mizoram Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Department provided another USD 574,800 to as indemnification for lost pigs.
As ASF continues to spread and families suffer deep losses, Mizoram’s authorities face mounting challenges to contain outbreaks and protect vital rural livelihoods.
Sri Lanka issues gazette to curb ASF spread
In another development, Sri Lanka’s Department of Animal Production and Health recently issued a gazette on October 3, 2025, declaring all districts ASF risk zones. It is valid for a period not exceeding three months, unless revoked earlier or extended.
Hemali Abeyrathna Kothalawala, Director General of the Department of Animal Production and Health, said pigs are now classified as disease risk animals.
The gazette restricts several activities:
Sri Lanka first reported ASF in 2024.
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