Animals or animal products will not be allowed to be imported into Sri Lanka from any country where bird flu has been reported, the Animal Production and Health Department’s Director General Dr. Hemali Kothalawala today announced.
Dr. Hemali Kothalawala said that these measures have been taken to prevent the entry of the Avian Influenza A(H5N1) virus to Sri Lanka, which has recently been reported in several countries.
Dr. Hemali also said that the control measures were taken to protect the country. She added that no animal products or animals are allowed to be imported into Sri Lanka from any country where bird flu is currently reported.
“Cattle have been infected with avian influenza for the first time in several states of the United States of America. So it is a serious situation,” she said.
Dr. Hemali Kothalawala also said that the disease control measures implemented in the country have been further strengthened as they were, and requested the public not to have any undue fears.