Sri Lanka bans animal imports from countries with bird flu reports

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama  

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 announced.  

Department Director General Dr. Hemali Kothalawala, said that 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 control measures have been taken to protect our country.    “For the first time in some states of the United States of America, cattle have been infected with avian influenza, so it is a serious situation. She said disease control measures implemented in the country have been further strengthened.