Newmai News Network Aizawl | June 26 At least 79 pigs have died and many taken ill in the Mizoram-Myanmar border town of Champhai since early June, which is believed to be caused by 'classical swine fever'. Leaders of the Champhai District Vawkvulh (piggery) Association said that 79 pigs have died as on June 23. As per the finding of preliminary examination done earlier, pigs were reported to have died of 'classical swine fever', official sources said. The pig keepers' association last Friday convened a meeting under the leadership of its president Lalmuanpuia Sailo at Champhai and endorsed the prohibitory order issued by the Champhai Deputy Commissioner which banned import of pigs, piglets and poultry products from neighbouring Myanmar. The meeting also wanted to enforce the prohibitory order in stricter form and said that it would take legal action against those who violate the order. Meanwhile, Mizoram Animal Husbandry & Veterinary department on Friday sent a Rapid Response Team to Champhai town to conduct spot examination and find out the actual cause of pig death. The team comprising of three doctors Dr Esther Zoliani, Dr Neihthangpuii and Dr Zohmingthangi took blood and tissue sample of dead pigs and began laboratory test on Saturday. According to the finding of the AH&Vety department, the cause of death was attributed to 'classical swine fever'. However, samples of dead pigs were sent to College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry laboratory at Selesih for test to find out whether it was due to the dreaded Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). AH & Vety Director Dr Saingura Sailo said that result is expected to be out within this June.
