No elephantiasis spread among wild elephants

The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) has clarified that there are no reported cases of elephantiasis among wild elephants, despite concerns about its potential spread among tamed elephants in Sri Lanka. 

 

 

Experts at the University of Peradeniya's Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Faculty had expressed worries about the risk of elephantiasis spreading among tamed elephants, particularly those participating in the Kandy Esala Perahera. 

 

 

DWC Director General Chandana Sooriyabandara explained that domesticated elephants are cared for by private veterinarians hired by their owners, and the department primarily observes wild elephants.

 

 

 While there have been no reports of elephantiasis among wild elephants, the DWC remains attentive to the issue due to concerns raised by experts.