Sri Lanka faces African Swine Fever outbreaks in six districts

Health officials in Sri Lanka have confirmed the re-emergence of African Swine Fever (ASF) across several regions. According to Dr. Pradeep Kumara Vaddu, a chief epidemiologist at the Department of Animal Production and Health, the virus has been detected in 48 farms across six districts: Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Anuradhapura, Kandy, and Puttalam.

Testing of approximately 1,200 pigs revealed that roughly 200 animals are infected. While the outbreak is a significant concern for the livestock sector, officials emphasized that the disease is not zoonotic, meaning it cannot be transmitted to humans and the meat remains safe for consumption.

Authorities are urging farmers to remain vigilant and strictly follow technical guidelines to contain the spread. This development follows previous efforts to control the disease within the country.