SLVA urges government to import eggs strictly from DAP&H-approved nations

The Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA) stresses that resorting to importing eggs from non-bird-flu-free nations, which have had bird-flu outbreaks in the last six months will have dire consequences as the move will risk the avian influenza virus entering and spreading in the island which is currently bird-flu free.

They stated this is in response to a move by the Cabinet of Ministers approving the importation of eggs without restrictions to ensure affordability to the general public due to escalating egg prices in the local market.

“Sri Lanka is a country free from bird flu. Due to this move, there is a high chance of it spreading here. Sri Lanka is in the process of exploring its poultry-exporting markets, spread of bird flu in the country will be a major factor in our export market contracting further,” SLVA President Dr Dilan Satharasinghe said.

Sri Lanka’s bird flu-free status has given the island a competitive edge in global poultry export markets. This reputation can undoubtedly help drive Sri Lanka as a leading poultry exporter in the region and globally. Risking this opportunity will not only hamper the industry but also a much-needed avenue through which Sri Lanka can earn much-needed foreign exchange.

It is important to note that the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAP&H) which works closely with the SLVA, having recognized the risks, is yet to approve the importation of eggs from non-bird-flu-free nations.

Giving priority to the aforementioned risks, The Department has advised the government to import eggs only from bird-flu-free nations such as Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and the USA.

Under Sri Lanka’s Animal Disease Act, the Director General of the DAPH holds the power to provide import licenses to importers of animal-origin products. The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), the global authority on animal health too has declared the Director General of DAP&H to be the local focal point in such matters.

Therefore, the SLVA urges the government to follow protocol and import eggs strictly from nations the DAP&H has approved.

Further, given Sri Lanka’s current economic conditions, the SLVA believes that the country does not have the fiscal capacity to counter the spread of bird flu.

Sri Lanka’s poultry industry has achieved high standards and by 2020 the industry produced nearly 3 billion eggs and over 236,00 metric tons of chicken meat making the country self-sufficient in the production of valuable protein sources essential for human consumption. Further, the industry has not only generated Rs. 20 billion in direct tax revenue for the country but has also generated several direct and indirect self-employment opportunities. “Therefore, the SLVA urges the government to not move forward with policy decisions that may seriously hamper the business operations of the industry which is already struggling due to high costs of production, price controls and inability to meet domestic consumer demand.”

As a long-term measure, SLVA says that the government should take steps to reduce poultry feed which is 80% of total production cost. Therefore, the government has to take measures to facilitate the cultivation of raw materials of poultry feed such as maize, rice and its by-products.