Public Health Inspectors’ Union Head Upul Rohana said that individuals found in possession of pork products would face legal action, potentially leading to arrests.
In response to the rapid spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) among pigs, Sri Lanka has temporarily banned slaughtering pigs, as well as the sale, distribution or transport of pork and pork products.
This ban, stipulated in a gazette notification, declares all Divisional Secretary’s divisions in the country as “infected” or “suspected” areas. Under the new regulations, activities including transporting pigs or pork products within, to, or from infected areas, slaughtering pigs, artificial breeding of pigs, selling or distributing pork and pork products, and disposing of infected animal carcasses in water bodies or in a way that could spread the infection, are prohibited.
The declaration, made by the Animal Production and Health Director General Hemali Kothalawala, under the Animal Diseases Act, outlines strict measures to control the spread of ASF and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). Both diseases are highly contagious and pose a significant risk to the swine industry. This order took effect immediately upon its publication.
