Colombo, October 29 (Daily Mirror) -  A new gazette notification has been issued declaring all Divisional Secretary’s divisions in the country as “infected” or “suspected” areas due to the recent reports of African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks among pigs. 

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, will be banned.

This declaration was made by the Director General of Animal Production and Health, Ms. K.A.C.H. Abeyrathna Kothalawala, under the Animal Diseases Act.

The order, which became effective upon publication, outlines strict measures to control the spread of ASF and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). Both diseases are highly contagious and can cause severe losses within the swine industry.

The order will remain in effect for three months.