January 29, 2004

Sri Lanka Announce Asian Chicken Ban

Sri Lanka announced the ban of poultry imports from all Asian countries in a bid to prevent bird flu from spreading to the country.

The decision was made after an emergency meeting between the government and poultry industry officials, said H.W. Ciril, commissioner general of livestock.

"Sri Lanka will also not allow the import of pet birds from any country," Ciril said, including bird feed and even feathers.

So far, 10 Asian governments have reported some strain of bird flu: China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Pakistan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Tens of millions of chicken and other poultry have been infected in recent weeks, prompting the slaughter of chickens across Asia in a bid to contain the virus. At least 10 people have died in Thailand and Vietnam from the virus.

Ciril said chicken imports from countries outside of Asia will continue.

Sri Lanka imports day-old chicks from Malaysia, India, Holland, Israel and the U.S. De-boned meat and chicken breasts are imported from Thailand, Malaysia and China.

Ciril said officials are drawing up a plan to educate farmers and veterinary surgeons on the virus, and make sure they are vigilant about symptoms and fatalities among poultry stocks.

D.D. Wanasinghe, chairman of the All Island Poultry Association, acknowledged the import ban would be a "fairly big setback" for the industry, but said the measures are necessary.

Sri Lanka imports chicken products amounting to US$123,000 a year, and produces an average of 60,000 tons of chicken annually.