COLOMBO, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan authorities have urged pig farmers to strengthen biosecurity measures following a resurgence of African swine fever (ASF), with nearly 200 pigs testing positive across six districts, an official said.
Chief Epidemiologist of the Department of Animal Production and Health Pradeep Lakpriya Kumarawadu said inspections covering 48 pig farms in Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Anuradhapura, Kandy and Puttalam districts found the virus among nearly 1,200 pigs examined.
The latest detections follow significant progress in containing the disease last year, raising concerns over renewed transmission in affected areas.
Kumarawadu warned 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 the virus.
Authorities have stepped up awareness efforts, urging farmers to follow veterinary guidelines, maintain farm hygiene and dispose of animal waste safely.
Kumarawadu also clarified that ASF cannot be transmitted to humans and that the virus does not pose a risk to human health through pork consumption. ■
