People in possession of pork to face legal action

• Health authorities discourage public from eating pork
• Sale, distribution of pork suspended  

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

In light of the rapid proliferation of African Swine Fever (ASF) among pigs, Sri Lank has temporarily banned slaughtering pigs, selling or distributing pork and pork products.  

This is stipulated in a gazette notification issued declaring 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, will be banned.  

This declaration was made by the Director General of Animal Production and Health, Ms. K.A.C.H. Abeyratne 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.  

Responding to the situation, Public Health Inspectors’ Union Head Upul Rohana told Daily Mirror that people in possession of pork will face legal action, leading to being arrested.