By Norman Palihawadane and Dinasena Rathugamae
An unidentified disease has ravaged pig farms in Kilinochchi, killing at least 300 adult pigs and over 400 piglets within a week.
The outbreak, which began in Selvanagar and has since spread to surrounding villages, has caused devastating losses to farmers.
Veterinary officers suspect a viral infection and have initiated treatments, but the disease remains unchecked.
The Kilinochchi District Magistrate’s Court has ordered a medical examination of the deceased pigs and requested a report on the outbreak. Acting Magistrate S. Siva Balasubramaniam issued the directive following concerns over the rapid spread of the disease.
Meanwhile, tensions are rising in affected villages as farmers bury dead pigs, prompting protests from residents worried about contamination. Authorities also fear that unscrupulous traders might attempt to sell meat from diseased pigs, posing a significant public health risk.
The crisis escalated when farm authorities attempted to transfer a batch of pigs to another facility. A veterinary officer intervened and filed a case against the farm owner, leading to a court order mandating medical analysis of the deceased pigs.
Following the directive, samples from both deceased and surviving pigs have been collected and will be sent to the Veterinary Research Division of the University of Peradeniya for further examination.
Veterinary officer I. Kanagaratnam warned that sudden rainfall could accelerate the spread of the disease.
Farmers said that the losses have already exceeded Rs. 250 million and called for definitive answers and effective containment measures.
