… possibly from illegally imported pork
By Rathindra Kuruwita
African swine fever has been reported for the first time among Sri Lankan pigs, hogs, and boars, according to Dr. K.K. Sarath, Director of the Western Province Animal Production and Health Department. He noted that thousands of pigs across the country had been dying in recent weeks. Initially, officials assumed that the cause was Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS).
“PRRS and African swine fever present with many similar symptoms. Since PRRS has been previously reported in Sri Lanka, we initially treated the animals for that disease, though we did not see the expected results. Reports from other parts of South Asia suggested that PRRS and African swine fever could spread concurrently among pigs, so we tested some of the deceased animals for African swine fever as well, and confirmed that a number had both diseases,” he said.
Dr. Sarath explained that fever and a loss of appetite are symptoms of both PRRS and African swine fever. However, the latter has an almost 100 percent mortality rate, unlike PRRS, which can be managed through vaccination and other methods. “There is currently no vaccine or medical means of controlling African swine fever,” he said.
As of earlier this week, African swine fever had been detected in four farms in the Western Province, located in Beruwala, Welisara, and Padukka, with additional cases reported from farms in the Uva, North Central, and North-Western provinces.
Dr. K.K. Sarath
“When pigs contract African swine fever, they carry a large viral load. The virus is present in their excreta, saliva, and other bodily fluids. Often, a farmer might not take immediate action if one or two animals die. If they leave the farm in boots or clothing that has caome into contact with these fluids, they can unknowingly spread the virus. For instance, if a lorry driver transporting animals comes into contact with the infected farmer, the virus can easily be carried from one area to another. This virus can survive at room temperature, allowing it to spread swiftly,” he explained.
The virus is only destroyed at temperatures exceeding 50°C. “Another scenario involves farmers slaughtering a pig carrying the virus but not yet showing symptoms. Meat from an infected animal, for example, could be transported from a farm in the Western Province to Anuradhapura, and the virus could spread through the meat, as it can remain viable in frozen meat for days,” he added.
According to the Director, there are approximately 70,000 pigs in the Western Province, of which around 5,000 had died by the fourth week of October. Symptoms of African swine fever appear within nine to 15 days of infection. “Pig farming is facing severe challenges. We had an export market for pork, but now we can’t export until the outbreak is under control,” he said.
Dr. Sarath stated that the first priority is to isolate infected animals. In some countries, infected animals are culled, but this would require compensation, with each pig valued at around 100,000 rupees. Thousands of people rely on pig farms for their livelihood. Consequently, pig movements and pork products are currently halted, bringing the industry to a standstill.
He also highlighted the risk of wild boars contracting the disease from infected village pigs, as these animals often come into villages in search of food. “This could lead to mutations in the virus,” he said.
Efforts are underway to investigate how African swine fever entered the country, as imports are only permitted from disease-free nations. “Legally imported meat should not have introduced the disease into the country,” he noted.
In December 2023, approximately 3,000 kilos of African swine fever-infected meat was found in cold storage in Welisara. This meat, imported without Health Department approval, was intended for the festive season. “I’m unable to confirm how the consignment was destroyed, as it falls outside my Department’s remit,” Dr. Sarath concluded.
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