Sri Lanka bans animal, animal product imports from bird flu affected countries

Colombo June 23 (Daily Mirror) - 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 today announced.

The Department’s Director General 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. 

She 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,” Dr. Kothalawala said.

She 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.