Sri Lanka’s wild boar population is at risk of extinction due to an outbreak of African swine fever, which has already claimed the lives of approximately 100 wild boars, wildlife authorities revealed.
Dr. Tharaka Prasad, Director of Wildlife Health at the Department of Wildlife Conservation, stated that deaths linked to the disease have been reported primarily in Block 1 of Yala National Park and urban wildlife areas like Gampaha, Meerigama, Peradeniya, and Monaragala.
African swine fever is highly contagious, with a mortality rate of 100%, posing a severe threat to the porcine family. Samples tested from deceased boars also revealed the presence of swine flu and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome. However, the latter is less concerning due to its lower mortality rate.
The Sri Lankan wild boar, a subspecies of the Indian wild boar, is known for its distinctive crest of hair and thrives in the wild. Despite its high population, it is not a protected species. The outbreak has already caused significant damage to the country’s pork industry, heightening concerns among conservationists and authorities.
Dr. Prasad emphasized the gravity of the situation, warning that the disease could devastate the entire wild boar population if left unchecked.
