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Swine fever incidence eases, allowing hog trade to sell certified meat
View(s):By Nathara Abeywickrema
Sri Lanka is reporting a decline in reports of swine fever, with the disease situation easing significantly in recent weeks.
This positive trend will be a relief to hog farmers.
Sri Lanka has taken a significant step in managing the African swine fever outbreak, with restrictions now eased following successful containment efforts.
The Animal Production and Health Department Director General, Dr. Hemali Kothalawala, recently issued a new gazette notice, relaxing earlier movement restrictions and permitting the transport of healthy animals.
This updated regulation, effective November 5, is a positive signal for the livestock industry and will remain in place until further notice.
The new guidelines outline that animals may be transported and slaughtered for meat, provided they come from farms confirmed by veterinarians to be free of swine fever. Additionally, all animals and meat being transported must carry a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian. This ensures continued monitoring and control of the disease, despite the relaxation of movement restrictions.
In the gazette, Dr. Kothalawala explained that the decision to ease restrictions was made in response to a significant reduction in African swine fever cases across the country.
She emphasised the importance of these safety measures, noting that the veterinary certification requirement remains essential for preventing any potential resurgence of the disease. The Animal Production and Health Department aims to safeguard animal health and public safety.
The department encourages all to adhere strictly to the new regulations, ensuring that only certified, healthy animals are transported. These precautions are critical in maintaining the hard-won progress in combating swine fever.
K.K. Sarath, director of the department for the Western Province said livestock farmers will be relieved. With movement restrictions now eased, supply of certified meat can resume.
Starting next week, meat from confirmed healthy pigs will be released to the market.
Dr. Sisira Piyasiri, president of the State Veterinary Surgeons’ Association, said that the restrictions were eased in response to concerns from farmers about selling healthy meat and challenges faced by the tourism industry due to a pork shortage.
He further assured that swine fever cannot be transmitted to other animals, including cattle and domestic pets. However, he warned that it could spread to wild boars if infected pig carcasses are improperly discarded in waterways or forested areas.
Despite the added responsibilities, Dr. Piyasiri also highlighted a critical issue: a shortage of veterinary surgeons. He said that newly recruited doctors often choose not to join the state service due to lower benefits.
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