A Deadly Animal Disease Resurfaces in the Northeast
African Swine Fever Outbreak Hits Mizoram Again in 2025: Mizoram is once again grappling with a resurgence of African Swine Fever (ASF), which has caused the mass death of pigs since March 20, 2025. This marks another blow to the region’s pig-rearing economy, which has already been severely impacted by previous outbreaks. The disease is highly contagious and fatal, spreading rapidly among both domestic and wild pigs. With no known cure or vaccine, the only containment strategy available is mass culling, making it devastating for farmers and local livelihoods.
What Is African Swine Fever?
African Swine Fever is a viral disease that results in an acute form of haemorrhagic fever in pigs. While the virus poses no risk to humans, it has a mortality rate of nearly 95–100% in pigs. Once infected, the animals suffer from internal bleeding, high fever, and eventual death, often within days. Because of its high transmission rate and fatality, ASF is listed as a notifiable disease by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and countries are required to report outbreaks immediately.
Global Spread and Historical Context
Originally confined to sub-Saharan Africa, ASF has over the years spread to Europe, South America, and the Caribbean. However, a significant turning point occurred in 2007, when the disease began appearing in multiple countries across Asia and Europe. In Asia, countries like China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and India have suffered recurring outbreaks since the late 2010s. The disease typically spreads through contaminated feed, direct contact, or infected transport vehicles, making border states like Mizoram particularly vulnerable due to porous movement routes.
Control Measures and Economic Impact
Since ASF has no cure, the only option to halt the spread is mass culling of infected and exposed animals. This, however, comes with heavy economic consequences. For Mizoram, where pig farming is a major livelihood, ASF outbreaks translate to financial distress for thousands of households. Authorities have responded with quarantine measures, movement restrictions, and biosecurity advisories, but challenges remain in enforcing disease containment across rural areas. The lack of a vaccine makes long-term control efforts extremely difficult.
Static GK Snapshot for Exams
African Swine Fever Outbreak Hits Mizoram Again in 2025:
| Topic | Details |
| Disease Name | African Swine Fever (ASF) |
| Outbreak Location | Mizoram, India |
| Outbreak Resurgence Year | 2025 (since March 20) |
| Type of Disease | Viral – affects domestic and wild pigs |
| Transmission | Direct contact, contaminated feed, transport vehicles |
| Mortality Rate | Close to 95%–100% |
| Cure or Vaccine | None available |
| Control Strategy | Culling of infected animals |
| First Noted Region | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Global Spread Year | Since 2007 – Asia, Europe, South America, Caribbean |
