Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Mohammad Ijaz stated that tests on tissue samples from the deceased animals identified the presence of Pasteurella multocida, a bacterium known to cause infections in various species.
“The Colombo Municipal Council intervened following the recent deaths of ducks near Beira Lake and, in coordination with the Homagama Veterinary Investigation Unit, conducted several tests on tissue samples from the deceased ducks. In addition, blood tests and other analyses are being carried out,” Dr. Ijaz explained.
He further noted that antibiotic vaccinations for the remaining animals would commence today (Feb. 5) as a preventive measure, while additional investigations continue.
