Aizawl, Jan 20: Around 20 wild boars were found dead in a forested area near Thentlang village in Serchhip district of Mizoram due to African Swine Fever (ASF), according to an official of the state Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department.

The carcasses were first noticed by local residents in early December 2025, who informed the authorities. Bone marrow samples collected from the dead animals were sent for laboratory testing and were confirmed positive for ASF on January 16.

This incident is the latest in a series of wild boar deaths linked to ASF in Mizoram since the outbreak was first reported on March 21, 2021, at Lungsen village in Lunglei district near the Bangladesh border. Earlier cases include ASF-confirmed wild boar deaths in Champhai district near the Myanmar border in July 2022, suspected ASF cases involving decomposed carcasses in Bungtlang South village of Lawngtlai district in September 2024, and similar deaths near Saipum village in Kolasib district bordering Assam in September 2025.

The ASF outbreak has caused extensive losses to the state’s domestic pig population. Since 2021, a total of 72,012 pigs have died and 52,979 pigs have been culled, affecting more than 12,500 families. The estimated financial loss stands at over Rs 1,011.27 crore. In 2025 alone, 9,711 pigs died and 3,620 were culled, impacting 3,867 families and resulting in losses of Rs 114.64 crore.

Officials said surveillance and monitoring measures are continuing in affected and vulnerable areas to prevent further spread of the disease.