Mizoram minister for animal husbandry and veterinary, Dr K Beichhua, on Monday called for a collective effort to check African swine fever and other pig related diseases in the state.
Addressing a meeting at Mizo National Front (MNF) office in Aizawl, Beichhua said, “The government has already sounded a red alert for African swine fever following its outbreak in neighbouring Myanmar.”
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“A collective effort should be made to prevent the outbreak of African swine fever and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus,” he said.
According to the minister, PRRS has hit the state in 2013, 2016 and 2018, killing thousands of pigs.
The minister added, “The import of pigs and piglets has been already banned and all district magistrates have been instructed to be on high alert.”
He said, “The state government would also seek the cooperation from the largest civil body, Central Young Mizo Association and is presently working hand in hand with the association to check swine diseases and ban pig imports.”
Beichhua also said that the state government is making effort to have sufficient supply of meat or meat products.
According to him, ‘35 per cent of the state’s total meat consumption is from home produce’.
“Several detailed project reports have been submitted to make Mizoram become self-sufficiency in meat or meat products,” he said.
Beichhua, who also holds excise and narcotics, said, “The state government is relentlessly making effort to curb drugs and alcohol in the State.”
The State Government is working hand in hand with the churches, NGOs and Assam Rifles to combat drugs and alcohol.
He added, “The government will set up state of the art rehabilitation centre for addicts and fight hard to curb this menace.”