During his visit to the DAPH office in Peradeniya, the Minister said that the deadly Nipah virus is currently spreading in several parts of India.

The Minister made an inquiry today regarding the measures taken for the protection of the animal production industry and public health in this country due to the Nipah virus disease. He discussed with the officials over the measures taken to increase animal production in the country.

The Director General expressing her opinion said that there is a minimal chance of this disease entering Sri Lanka.

Dr. Hemali Kotalawala mentioned that since this disease can spread, especially from pigs, the Department has taken the necessary measures to implement disease control activities by focusing on the pigs in the country.

The Minister also instructed the officials to take all measures to prevent the Nipah virus from entering the country, just as all sectors of the country were able to prevent the entry of the bird flu into the country.

"With the measures taken to prevent the bird flu virus from entering the country, products related to the poultry industry were in good demand internationally," Dr. Kotalawala said

(Chatuanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)