250 pigs dead due to PRRS in Mizoram

Aizawl, May 4: Deaths of more than 250 pigs have been reported due to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in Mizoram's Champhai district, bordering Myanmar.

"Officials from the animal husbandry and veterinary department have rushed to Champhai district after reports of over 250 pigs' death in different villages of the district due to PRRS virus during the past few days," an official of the animal husbandry and veterinary department said.

He said: "Samples from the dead pigs, tested in the laboratories, were found positive of the PRRS virus."

The state government, following the deaths of pigs has issued an order banning sale of all domestic animals from other villages within and outside the Champhai district in Mizoram.

The government also asked the people not to sell or consume pork.

Mizoram shares an unfenced international border of 404 km with Myanmar and 318 km with Bangladesh, causing immense scope for smuggling of animals, drugs, arms and ammunition and various other contrabaands across the borders.

IANS