Veterinary Research Officer at the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH), Dr. Hemal Kothalawala said yesterday (29) that they could not find any evidence related to Avian Influenza and Virulent Newcastle Disease (VND) during the laboratory tests which were carried out on the eggs imported from India.
He said this when The Daily Morning contacted him to inquire about the report of the inspection conducted by the DAPH on the stock of eggs imported from India. Speaking further, he mentioned that the inspection report has been sent to the Government’s Quarantine Officer. The results of the test conducted to ascertain if there is Avian Influenza and vND in relation to the imported egg stock are negative. He said that a set of instructions on how to use these eggs has also been presented with the report.
Meanwhile, issuing a press release yesterday, the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA) emphasised the strict adherence to protocols for imported eggs and commended the DAPH for its efforts to safeguard the health of citizens, before releasing the imported eggs from India to the local market. President of the SLVA, Dr. Dilan Satharasinghe stated that while the SLVA expressed concerns over the recent importation of one million table eggs from India by the Government, after closely monitoring the situation however, the SLVA would like to acknowledge the Government’s adherence to the established procedures and guidelines before releasing any imported eggs to the market, thereby safeguarding both the poultry industry and the public health of citizens.
The Government decided to import eggs from India in order to manage the high prices and the shortage that prevailed in the local market. As a result of that, the first consignment of eggs arrived in Sri Lanka last week. However, the stock was not released until the report of the tests carried out by DAPH was released.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka State Trading (General) Corporation has stated that the stock of imported eggs will be distributed from tomorrow (31) evening. It was previously decided that this stock of eggs will be distributed amongst bakers at a price of Rs. 35. It has also been revealed that the eggs imported from India can be refrigerated for up to 90 days.