Swine fever has now reached Sri Lanka. For the first time, tests conducted in the Gampaha district of the Western Province have revealed the presence of a reproductive and respiratory disease in pigs that shares similarities with African swine fever.
Research has progressed, and it has been scientifically confirmed that the condition is the same as African swine fever. The Animal Production and Health Department of Sri Lanka released a statement confirming this finding after examining new samples taken from the farms.
Recently, several farms in Gampaha reported a sudden outbreak affecting their pigs. The Department of Animal Production and Health has focused on this issue. Upon investigation, it was determined that the illness affecting the pigs is African swine fever, which has been reported in several South Asian countries.
Swine flu reported for the first time in Sri Lanka
This is the first time the disease has been reported in Sri Lanka. To prevent the spread of this highly pathogenic disease throughout the country, the Department of Animal Production and Health has taken steps to give authority to the veterinary officers in the respective areas.
If pork meat is transported between divisional secretariats, it is now mandatory to obtain approval from the regional health authorities. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has stated that measures are being taken to issue a gazette notice concerning these safety regulations.
The government is now focused on approving the vaccine tested in Vietnam to prevent the spread of African swine fever.
How pig farms across the globe were devastated
This disease has devastated pig farms globally. The World Health Organisation reports that progress is being made in controlling the situation.
African swine fever has impacted the global pork market for several years, resulting in losses close to $300 billion. During the 2018-2019 period, the world experienced the worst effects of the pandemic. Reports indicated that nearly half of the domestic pig population in China—the world’s largest pork producer—had died as a result.
As a result, the country suffered a loss of $100 billion. Due to the complexity of the virus, decades of efforts to control it have failed.
Strict rules to control the situation in Sri Lanka
The sale of pork in Sri Lanka has been banned due to the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) among pigs. The Department of Animal Production and Health has implemented this ban by issuing a special gazette notice.
The gazette notice has designated all Divisional Secretariats in Sri Lanka as areas infected or vulnerable to African Swine Fever (ASF) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS).
The Department of Animal Production and Health has reported that both diseases are spreading among pigs. The department emphasises that, due to the risk of further spread across various regions of Sri Lanka, immediate measures are necessary to control the situation.
This warning, effective for three months starting October 25, is an urgent measure to control the situation. Consequently, the transportation of high-risk pigs and pork to other areas is strictly prohibited.
It is prohibited to transport, remove, carry, or dispose of pork-related products or substances that can cause disease in or out of risk areas. Additionally, the sale, offering for sale, storage, or distribution of pigs, pork, and their by-products, as well as the preparation of products made from pork, is not allowed.
The government has decided to take strict legal action against individuals involved in such activities. Additionally, it is prohibited to dispose of the dung or any part of an animal that has died or is suspected of being infected with relevant diseases, as well as any other vulnerable materials, in places connected to water.
The remains of an animal that died or was suspected of being infected with the disease should be buried in a secure location to prevent transmission by other animals.
3500 pig farms in Sri Lanka are in danger
Currently, it has been reported that there are approximately 3,500 pig farms in Sri Lanka, housing a population of nearly 200,000 pigs. The Department of Animal Production and Health has indicated that 400 to 500 animals are suspected of being infected with a disease, raising concerns about the potential spread of the illness to hundreds of other animals.
Steps are being taken to inform pig farm owners about measures to ensure the health of their animals, including providing vaccinations. Most of these farms are located in the Western, North Western, and North Central provinces. The department has reported cases of infected animals in these regions and is implementing necessary measures to control the risk by dividing the areas into zones.
A guarantee that the disease is not contagious to humans
The Department of Animal Production and Health states that these diseases are not transmitted from pigs to humans. Both diseases have been identified as ones that only spread among pigs, and it has been confirmed that they are not contagious to humans or other animals.
The department assures that there will be no impact on people. However, the Animal Production and Health Department advises against consuming meat from diseased animals, as pigs have died from this disease.
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