Aizawl: Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), today chaired a high-level meeting at Raj Bhavan with senior officials of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary (AH&Vety.)
Department to review the state’s worsening African Swine Fever (ASF) crisis. Led by Secretary Lalsangliana, the team presented alarming figures and proposals to contain a disease that has plagued the state since 2021.
Expressing deep concern over the prolonged outbreak, the Governor emphasised that ASF is no longer a temporary threat but a persistent, endemic crisis requiring immediate and coordinated action. He acknowledged the department’s limitations and stressed the need for inter-departmental collaboration, central government support, and active public participation. The Governor assured full backing for proposals aimed at enhancing containment, compensation, and public awareness efforts.
According to a detailed presentation by Deputy Director Dr. Esther Lalzoliani, the first ASF case in Mizoram was detected in Lungsen village on March 21, 2021. Since then, a staggering 69,411 pigs have died, while another 52,194 have been culled to contain the spread. The outbreak has affected 11,382 households, resulting in an estimated economic loss of Rs 982.16 crore.
As of August 3, 2025, the state has disbursed Rs 1,451.92 lakh in compensation through the “Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases” (ASCAD) scheme and additional support of Rs 477.08 lakh from the Mizoram Disaster Management & Rehabilitation Department.
Officials informed the Governor that ASF has now become endemic in Mizoram, with vaccination seen as the only long-term solution. However, no vaccine is currently available in India. The department is exploring options to import ASF vaccines from Vietnam, where experimental versions are in development. They also highlighted financial hurdles, including limited support from the central government, which continues to affect the state’s ability to provide adequate compensation and infrastructure.
Mizoram has been selected as one of 14 states under Phase I of the Pandemic Fund Project, which aims to strengthen the state’s Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and secure NABL accreditation. Since March 2025, the lab has tested 221 samples, confirming 142 ASF cases via PCR. The department has also been consulting with experts from the National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), whose team is expected to visit Mizoram in September to assess the situation and assist in strategizing long-term solutions.
Discussions at the meeting included expanding ASF awareness campaigns, improving pig carcass management, enhancing coordination with other departments, and overcoming logistical and financial challenges in responding to the crisis. The meeting was also attended by Ajit Roy, Secretary to the Governor, along with Dr. R. Zothanmawii, Director, and Dr. PC Lalsangzuala, Joint Director (LH), of the AH&Vety. Department.
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