Gazette issues to curb spread of African Swine Fever

Colombo, Oct. 8 (Daily Mirror) - An extraordinary gazette notification has been issued to prevent the further spread of African swine fever (ASF), which has affected several Divisional Secretariats across the country in recent months.

The gazette, released by the Director General of Animal Production and Health, declares all districts in Sri Lanka as African swine fever risk areas and classifies pigs as disease-risk animals under the Animal Diseases Act No. 59 of 1992.

The notification comes into effect from October 3 and will remain valid for a period not exceeding three months, unless revoked earlier or extended based on the prevailing disease situation, as permitted under Section 5(3) of the Act.

To limit the spread of ASF, the Director General has prohibited certain actions and activities in the designated risk areas, as detailed in the gazette. These measures aim to contain the disease and safeguard both livestock and the broader agricultural sector.