Govt takes proactive measures to prevent spread of porcine diseases
Gazette issued on African Swine Fever and PRRS
Sale of pork currently prohibited
Govt to provide support mechanisms to assist affected farmers
In response to the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), the Government has issued a comprehensive gazette notification declaring all Divisional Secretary’s divisions across the island as “infected” or “suspected” areas.
The gazette notification issued by the Director General of Animal Production and Health Hemali Kothalawala is aimed at controlling and preventing the spread of these diseases, which have significant implications for the country’s livestock industry.
The declaration comes amid reports of ASF and PRRS affecting pig populations in various regions. ASF is known for its high mortality rate among pigs, while PRRS poses additional challenges related to reproductive and respiratory issues. Given the interconnectedness of livestock management in Sri Lanka, the Government’s proactive measures are essential for safeguarding the agricultural sector, which plays a vital role in the country’s economy and food security.
Under the provisions of the Animal Diseases Act, the new order prohibits a range of activities within the infected and suspected areas to mitigate the risk of disease transmission. Key prohibitions include:
(1). The transport of pigs, pork, and related products into, out of, or within the infected areas is banned. This measure is crucial for preventing the further spread of ASF and PRRS.
(2). The order prohibits the slaughter of any animals susceptible to these diseases. This is intended to minimize the risk of contamination and spread within the population.
(3). All artificial breeding activities involving susceptible species are suspended. This is a preventive step to avoid introducing the virus through breeding programmes.
(4). The holding of live animal markets, shows, and competitions that involve susceptible species is prohibited to limit the congregation of animals, which can facilitate disease spread.
(5). The disposal of carcasses suspected of being infected with ASF or PRRS is strictly regulated. It is illegal to throw or place these carcasses in water bodies or allow other animals to access them, which could further exacerbate the spread of the diseases.
To enforce these measures effectively, the Director General has designated several officers from the Department of Animal Production and Health as Authorized Officers. This includes: the Director of Animal Health, the Deputy Director of Animal Health, Provincial Directors of Animal Production and Health, Subject Matter Specialists and District Veterinary Surgeons.
These officials are tasked with monitoring compliance and taking necessary actions against violations of the order, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to managing the outbreak effectively.
The implications of this order are profound, particularly for pig farmers and the broader livestock industry in Sri Lanka. Farmers may face significant disruptions to their operations due to movement restrictions and the prohibition of animal sales, leading to economic hardship. The Government is expected to provide support mechanisms to assist affected farmers, including guidance on biosecurity practices and potential financial assistance.
Meanwhile, President of the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors’ Association Upul Rohana yesterday requested the public to immediately inform the Public Health Inspectors if pork is being sold in any place n the country, as the sale of pork is currently prohibited due to swine flu.
Rohana said that due to the African swine flu that has spread to pigs these days, the Government has implemented a programme to ban the sale of pork.
He also said that if pork is sold in any place on these days, the law will be strictly implemented against the concerned persons.
Roahana also said that if there is any disease in any animal suitable for human consumption, not only pigs, that meat is unfit for human consumption.
“No country in the world has so far reported that any person who ate the flesh of an animal infected with African swine flu was infected with the virus, but it is dangerous to eat the flesh of an infected animal,” he said.
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