Death of Pigs across the Mizoram village raises suspicion over African Swine Fever

Context

The Mizoram government has sounded alert for ASF in the state due to the death of more than 80 pigs in south Mizoram's Lunglei district over the last two weeks.

About the African swine fever (ASF)

• African swine fever (ASF) is a severe viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs.
• Trans-boundary: This is a transboundary animal disease (TAD) that can be spread by live or dead pigs, domestic or wild, and pork products also.
• Resistance: ASF is highly environmentally resistant.
  • Its Transmission can also occur via contaminated feed and fomites (non-living objects) such as shoes, clothes, vehicles, knives, equipment, etc.
• Losses: This fever causes serious production and economic losses.
• Vaccine: There is no approved vaccine against ASF.
• Outbreaks: Historically its outbreaks have been seen in Africa and parts of Europe, South America, and the Caribbean.
  • Since 2007, the disease has been reported in multiple countries across Africa, Asia, and Europe.