After Mizoram, the Nagaland government has increased surveillance and containment efforts in response to the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in various parts of the state. District administrations in affected areas have imposed restrictions on the import, transport, and sale of pigs and pork products to curb the disease’s spread. The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AHVS) Department in Nagaland is actively monitoring the outbreak through district veterinary officers and field staff, engaging in surveillance, containment operations, awareness campaigns, and implementing bio-security measures.
ASF, a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs, poses significant economic losses to pig farmers. While not transmissible to humans and not a public health threat, the disease demands prompt reporting and stringent preventive actions. The AHVS has issued a five-point advisory urging cooperation from pig farmers, traders, transporters, village councils, and the public during this crisis. People are advised to report any pig illness or death promptly, avoid unauthorized pig and pork product movements, and uphold farm hygiene and bio-security practices.
The department also stresses the importance of proper pig disposal to prevent exacerbating the outbreak, cautioning against disposing of dead pigs in inappropriate areas. Citizens are advised against spreading unverified information about ASF to avoid unnecessary panic. The AHVS appreciates the support from district administrations and acknowledges the efforts of veterinary personnel on the ground. It emphasizes the dissemination of verified information to prevent misinformation and ensure public calm.
Neighboring Mizoram has already faced substantial financial losses due to ASF outbreaks in recent years. Mizoram’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department reported significant losses, with over 9,710 pig deaths and 3,620 pigs culled between March and December 2025 alone. Since March 2021, more than 72,000 pigs have died in Mizoram due to ASF, impacting numerous pig-rearing families and causing substantial financial losses. The Central government has provided compensation to affected farmers, with additional support sought by the Mizoram government.
Pork is a staple in Nagaland’s cuisine and local economy, with the ASF outbreak expected to have a significant impact on markets and the livelihoods of pig farmers and traders. The Northeastern region, including eight states, values pork as a preferred meat, with an estimated annual trade value of Rs 8,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore. Cross-border movement of pigs and pork products is believed to contribute to recurring ASF outbreaks in Mizoram, with experts pointing to border proximity with Myanmar and Bangladesh as potential factors.
