On October 14, 2024, the Government of Mizoram announced a comprehensive set of guidelines to address the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF), officially declaring it a State Specific Disaster. This notification, issued by the Department of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation (DM&R), outlines the measures and assistance available to those affected by the virus.
Key Points from the Notification
Declaration of Disaster: The outbreak of ASF has been recognized as a state-specific disaster and a notified natural calamity for 2024, as approved by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
Funding for Relief: Assistance for losses caused by ASF will be sourced from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Norms from the SDRF and the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) will apply for the fiscal years 2022-23 to 2025-26.
Definition of ASF Outbreak: ASF is defined as a highly contagious and fatal viral disease affecting both domestic and wild pigs, with a mortality rate that can reach 100%.
Implementation of Bio-Security Measures: All bio-containment and bio-security measures as detailed in the National Action Plan for ASF will be enforced at state boundaries and check posts.
Infection Zones: District Veterinary Officers (DVO) are tasked with designating ‘infection zones’ in case of ASF outbreaks. Prohibitory orders will be issued by the Deputy Commissioner to manage these zones effectively.
Claims for Assistance: Claims for assistance due to pig mortality must be made to the DVO and require verification. A mortality certificate from the DVO is mandatory for any claim to be processed.
Exclusivity of Claims: Only claims related to ASF-caused mortality will be considered. Claims arising from the culling of pigs will be handled separately under a different scheme.
Registration of Livestock: Given the unanticipated nature of the ASF outbreak, a one-time exception allows for DVO-issued mortality certificates to also serve as proof of registration for small and marginal farmers. The registration of pig owners will be updated annually.
Financial Assistance: Compensation of ₹4,000 per pig lost due to ASF infection will be provided, capped at six pigs per household regardless of the total loss.
Scrutiny and Disbursement: All claims will be scrutinized by the Deputy Commissioner before being forwarded to the DM&R for assistance release, which will be deposited directly into claimants’ bank accounts.
Duration of Notification: These guidelines will remain in effect until expressly withdrawn by the Government of Mizoram.
