DS halted following reports of African swine fever.

Transportation of pigs across Divisional Secretariats has been halted following reports of African swine fever at several local farms.

The Department of Animal Production and Health said this was the  first cases of the disease found in Sri Lanka.

Director General of the Department of Animal Production and Health, Dr. Hemali Kothalawala, confirmed that steps are in place to issue an official gazette notification over issue of transportation of pigs .

She added nearly a thousand pigs have died from the viral disease in recent days, with cases reported across all provinces except the Northern Province.

Vaccinations have been given to animals that remain unaffected as a preventive measure. Dr. Kothalawala also advised the public against consuming meat from pigs that succumbed to the viral disease