By Sheain Fernandopulle   

The highly contagious viral disease previously known as ‘Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome’ (PRRS), which is spreading among pigs, hogs, and boars in Sri Lanka, has been identified as the African Swine Disease.  

According to the Department of Animal Production and Health, the disease, which initially affected wild boars, has started to spread to pigs on farms. As such, steps are being taken to contain the disease  

In light of the situation, the Department of Animal Production and Health has suspended the transporting of pigs between all divisional secretariats in the country.  
The department earlier decided to make the veterinary health certificate mandatory when transporting pigs.