In brief
African swine fever reappears in six districts of Sri Lanka, with nearly 200 pigs testing positive according to Adaderana, while Xinhua reports nearly 1,200 pigs examined in 48 farms. Officials warn that improper disposal of animal waste and small‑scale slaughter practices could spread the virus, and confirm the disease poses no risk to humans. Authorities urge farmers to follow veterinary guidelines and increase biosecurity measures.
On October 29 Sri Lankan authorities issued a warning to pig farmers after African swine fever resurged across six districts, a move prompted by a wave of new cases reported by both Xinhua and local media outlet Adaderana.
Chief Epidemiologist Pradeep Lakpriya Kumarawadu announced that inspections covering 48 pig farms in Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Anuradhapura, Kandy and Puttalam had found the virus among nearly 1,200 pigs examined, according to Xinhua.
Adaderana, in a separate report, stated that nearly 200 pigs had tested positive for the virus in the same districts, suggesting a narrower cluster of confirmed cases.
Kumarawadu cautioned that improper disposal of animal waste—particularly by small‑scale farmers who slaughter pigs at home and discard waste near water bodies—could accelerate the spread of ASF, while confirming that the virus poses no risk to human health through pork consumption.
In response, authorities have intensified awareness campaigns, urging farmers to follow veterinary guidelines, maintain farm hygiene and dispose of animal waste safely.
