Colombo: Sri Lanka has decided to stop importing animals and animal products from countries that are affected by bird flu.

The Sri Lankan Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH) says that their country has banned the import of animals and animal products from those countries where cases have been reported.

DAPH Director General Himali Kothalawala says that for the first time, American cattle have been affected by the avian influenza virus.

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He further says that their country’s authorities are aware of the developments happening abroad and have already taken precautions to protect the country’s farming industry and consumers, due to which Sri Lanka has banned the import of animals and animal products from those countries where cases have been reported.

DAPH Director General Himali Kothalawala says that they are ready to deal with any bird flu case that appears in their country, and they are working with authorities to control the disease in the country.

General Himali Kothalawala says their country has the ability to diagnose cases of H5, H7, and H9 bird flu in humans. They acquired this ability in the past few years.