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Public support sought to check African swine fever in Mizoram

By CORRESPONDENT

AIZAWL, Aug 26 - Mizoram Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister Dr K Beichhua has sought public support to prevent an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in the state.

The State government has already sounded an alert against the two diseases infected through pigs.

�A large number of pigs died in Mizoram in 2013, 2016 and 2018. Fortunately, PRRS has not resurfaced in the State since the Mizo National Front (MNF) came to power in December 2018,� said Beichhua, while addressing the party workers at �Hnam Run� (MNF office) here on Monday.

Mizoram is highly vulnerable to ASF since it shares border with Myanmar, which has been affected by the disease.

The Minister said that all District Magistrates have been instructed to ban import of pigs while civil societies have been requested for their cooperation in implementing the ban.

The Minister further said that Mizoram produces only 35 per cent of the meat consumed in the state. �The State government is taking measures to attain self-sufficiency in meat and egg production,� he said.

As the District Magistrates have started enforcing the ban on import of pigs, particularly from Myanmar, local residents have been mobilised to generate awareness among the people in order to prevent ASF outbreak in the border state.

ASF outbreak was reported in China and Vietnam and it is feared that it could reach Mizoram through Myanmar and affect the piggeries in the State, Director of the State Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department Hmarkunga said.

The disease affects only porcine species of all breeds, and pork is widely consumed in the State. However, no case of ASF has been detected so far.

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