|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The officers of Livestock Development Division of Department of Agriculture have informed Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera Hon. Minister of Agriculture yesterday (04) that due to the "Nipah" virus which is spreading in several countries including India, the consumption of pork in this country has been decreased and therefore the pork producers are facing many problems.
Commenting on the risk of Nipah virus, the officials of the Livestock Division emphasized that there is no risk of the virus entering Sri Lanka, and therefore there is no need to fear the consumption of pork.
Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. This virus can be transmitted to humans through unprotected contact with infected pigs, their tissues, body fluids and feces.
However, since this disease has not been reported from Sri Lanka so far and the health departments are strictly implementing disease control measures, there is very little chance of Nipah virus entering in to our country.
Also, the Department of Animal Production and Health has started a program to monitor all the pig farms in the island.
Therefore, Officials of the Livestock Division have emphasized that there should be no undue fear for the consumption of pork produced in this country and consumption of pork is not a problem.
There was a discussion in this regard under the chairmanship of Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera Hon. Minister of Agriculture yesterday evening (04), where these views were expressed.
