Sri Lanka Halts Transport of Pigs Amid First Outbreak of African Swine Fever

(COLOMBO News 1st): Transportation of pigs across Divisional Secretariats has been halted following reports of African swine fever at several local farms.

This marks the first cases of the disease in Sri Lanka.

Director General of the Department of Animal Production and Health, Dr. Hemali Kothalawala, confirmed that steps are in place to issue an official gazette notification. 

In recent days, nearly a thousand pigs have died from the viral disease, with cases reported across all provinces except the Northern Province.

Vaccinations have been given to animals that remain unaffected as a preventive measure.

Dr. Kothalawala also advised against consuming meat from pigs that succumbed to the viral disease.