Over 1,000 pigs in livestock farms die

By B.G. Chaturanga

Colombo, October 16 (Daily Mirror) - More than 1,000 pigs in livestock farms in the Anuradhapura district have died from a disease caused by an unidentified virus, much to the distress of local farmers.

According to the farmers, the infected pigs died within two days, and the virus is spreading rapidly. They warned that the virus could spread to other areas if steps are not taken to contain it.

The farmers reported that there are about 20 piggeries in the division, all of which have been affected by the virus. In one piggery, over 200 pigs out of 800 have died, while at least 60 pigs have died in each of the others. In addition, hundreds of piglets have died on every farm.

Meanwhile, the Veterinary Surgeon of Central Nuwaragampalatha, Dr. Prasad Madatuwa, stated that the necessary drugs for treating viral diseases are not available in veterinary offices. However, he has inspected the affected piggeries and made arrangements to immunize the pigs that have not contracted the virus yet.