India, March 30 -- A fresh outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) has resulted in the deaths of at least 509 pigs in two districts of Mizoram since March 20, officials said on Sunday, adding that culling operations have begun in the region to prevent further spread of the disease.

According to an official from the Mizoram animal husbandry and veterinary department, 509 pigs died in Lawngtlai and Mamit districts since the latest outbreak began. Of the 509 deaths, 462 of them took place on Friday.

"The outbreak was officially confirmed on March 20 through laboratory tests conducted in Guwahati," Dr Esther Lalzoliani Ralte, livestock in-charge of the state animal husbandry and veterinary department said, adding the outbreak has affected 13 ...