In response to concerns over recent cases of cow measles in Nuwara Eliya, Dr. Hemali Kothalawala, Director General of the Department of Animal Production and Health, has moved to allay fears, stating that consuming milk and meat from infected animals poses no threat to human health.
Dr. Kothalawala emphasized that there is no risk of the disease spreading to humans and assured the public of safety in consuming products from affected animals.
Following the reports, the Department of Animal Production and Health, in conjunction with the private sector, has launched a collaborative effort to combat the disease. A joint plan has been implemented to administer necessary vaccines for disease control.
Earlier this year, cow measles had been reported in the Jaffna area. The Ministry of Agriculture reported that swift vaccination efforts effectively contained the disease.
Secretary of the Ministry, Janaka Dharmakirthi, has affirmed that should current vaccine supplies prove inadequate, urgent measures will be taken to procure additional doses to ensure effective disease control.
