African swine fever kills over 500 pigs in Mizoram this year; all you need to know

NEW DELHI: A resurgence of

African Swine Fever

(ASF) in Mizoram has led to the deaths of 41 more pigs on Saturday, pushing the total toll to 503 since March 20, state animal husbandry and veterinary officials confirmed.
The outbreak was first detected when laboratory tests in Guwahati confirmed ASF infection, triggering concerns among local farmers and authorities. Efforts are underway to contain the spread of the disease and mitigate further losses.
The deaths were reported from seven localities in Lawngtlai town, the district headquarters of Lawngtlai district in southern Mizoram, which shares borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh.
ASF has become an endemic concern in the north eastern state since its first confirmed case in Lungsen village, Lunglei, on March 21, 2021.

All you need to know about the outbreak:

What is African swine fever?

African swine fever is a highly contagious and fatal viral disease that affects both domestic and wild pigs of all ages.
While it poses no risk to humans and properly cooked pork remains safe to consume, the virus's devastating impact on swine can lead to pork shortages, trade disruptions, and economic consequences.
With no available treatment or vaccine, prevention remains the most effective means of protecting pig populations.

Can it spread to humans?

Authorities have said that since the disease exclusively affects pigs, the risk of transmission to other animals or humans is minimal.
Additionally, there is no evidence of transmission from pigs or pork products. However, the virus can spread indirectly through contaminated clothing, equipment, or vehicles, posing a risk to susceptible pig populations.
Implementing strict biosecurity measures and properly handling infected pigs and pork products are crucial to preventing the virus's spread and protecting the pork industry.