October 30, 2024
ASF spreads across multiple provinces in Sri Lanka
African swine fever (ASF), first detected in Sri Lanka's Western province, has now spread to Uva, Northern, and Northwestern provinces, according to K K Sarath, Director of the Western Province Animal Production and Health Department, Ada Derana reported.
Speaking on the Ada Derana 'Big Focus' programme, Sarath highlighted the disease's high mortality rate in infected animals and confirmed that no treatment is currently available. The outbreak was initially detected in four farms in the Western Province, affecting animals in Beruwala, Welisara, and Padukka Divisional Secretariats.
Data from last week reveals that of approximately 70,000 swine in the Western Province, an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 have died from the disease.
Sarath detailed control measures, emphasising the importance of immediate detection, containment, and establishing "pocket" zones to prevent further spread. He noted that, as per global guidelines, infected animals should ideally be culled to control the disease. However, he added that Sri Lanka's economic situation complicates this process, as compensation for culling would require significant funding, raising financial concerns.
To formalise control efforts, the government is expected to issue a Gazette notification, outlining necessary measures.
Reports of dead wild boars in the Mirigama area have raised further concerns. Although the cause of death is still unknown, residents report an unusually high number of animal fatalities in the area.
Sri Lanka's Department of Animal Production and Health confirmed that the respiratory and reproductive illness reported in swine in the Gampaha District was ASF. The confirmation followed laboratory tests of recent field samples collected after incidents of sudden swine deaths across Gampaha District prompted an investigation.
- Ada Derana