African swine fever resurfaces in several Sri Lankan districts

African swine fever has resurfaced in several districts of Sri Lanka, with around 200 pigs testing positive for the virus during inspections of 48 farms, a senior veterinary official said.

Pradeep Kumarawadu, chief epidemiologist at the Department of Animal Production and Health, said the inspections covered farms in Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Anuradhapura, Kandy and Puttalam districts.

Nearly 1,200 pigs were examined during the inspections, with the virus detected in approximately 200 animals, he said.

Kumarawadu said authorities had largely brought the disease under control last year, but fresh cases had been reported in several areas this year.

He urged pig farmers to follow veterinary guidelines and strengthen measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

The improper disposal of animal waste, particularly by small-scale farmers slaughtering pigs at home, could accelerate the spread of the disease, he warned.

Kumarawadu said African swine fever does not infect humans.

Sri Lanka experienced a major outbreak of African swine fever in 2024, resulting in extensive losses to its pig farming industry.

In August 2025, authorities said the outbreak had affected approximately 2,800 farms and killed more than 70,000 pigs, including wild boars.