The Department of Animal Production and Health has traced the recent outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Sri Lanka to the distribution of leftover food from ships and airplanes.

Hemali Kothalawala, Director General of the Department, confirmed that food scraps from international travelers, particularly from vessels and flights arriving in the country, have been improperly given to pigs on local farms. This practice has contributed to the rapid spread of ASF, a highly contagious and fatal disease among swine.

The department is urging strict control measures to prevent the disposal of such waste in areas near livestock and is working with authorities to contain the outbreak.